Relief of Allergy Rash in Infants

One of the hardest things to watch is seeing your baby suffer with allergic rashes. The sleepless days and nights as well as the frustration of not knowing what to do to make it go away can wreak havoc on a parent physically, emotionally and psychologically. Figuring out what is causing these painful and very itchy rashes is the most important step to treating them.

What Is Eczema?

• Eczema is also known as atopic dermatitis which occurs between 2 and 6 months old. Its characteristics are dry and sensitive reddened skin that becomes very itchy and uncomfortable; in its more severe stages, it can pus or "weep." In the severe stage, it is best to be under the care of a pediatrician, who might be able to prescribe low-dose corticosteroid creams to help soothe the itch and allow the skin to heal.

What Causes Eczema?

• A major cause of baby eczema is an allergy of some kind to something in the environment or in the baby's food. According to the Food Allergy And Anaphylaxis Network, one in 17 children under 3 years old has a food allergy.

  Since a baby is much too young for most testing, it is best to monitor what milk or formulas are being fed to an infant. Breast milk that contains allergens from the mother's food can also be a cause; it is recommended that women nursing avoid peanuts and soy while breastfeeding. If your baby is reacting to formula, it may be best to try one that does not contain soy, as most formulas do.

  When an infant is especially sensitive to environmental allergy as well as cleansing products and moisturizers, "baby proofing" takes on a whole new meaning. Anything your infant is going to come into contact with must be completely allergen-free.

Steps To Soothe

• Never use wool blankets or clothing on the baby; they are very itchy and irritating for those with sensitive skin. Make sure your baby is wearing 100 percent cotton--it is the most breathable and allergy-safe material available. If you can get organic cotton, even better.

  Many baby products contain fragrances, additives, preservatives and chemicals. Babies with eczema need special care and special products to suit their extreme sensitivity.

  Many products contain Vitamin E, which is usually derived from soy. Anything that starts with "arach" is peanut derived. If your child has the peanut or soy allergy, it is best to call the company on the bottle to find out before using or do not use at all.

  California Baby has a fragrance-free lotion that is safe and effective. Mix in a dab of petroleum jelly while applying to skin and you have a very emollient cream that can be used through all seasons.

  Hot or humid conditions can aggravate eczema, so it is always best to keep the temperature slightly cool. It is better to put more clothing and blankets on the baby than to have the room too warm. Sweat can make eczema very itchy.

  Make sure to keep your baby's fingernails short to minimize skin damage from scratching

  Make sure to get rid of any environmental allergens such as pets, dust and mold. Invest in an air purifier to cut down on possible allergens in the air. Ideally, carpeting should be removed and changed to hard flooring to minimize contact with dust mites or mold spores. Another factor to keep in mind is stress; stress aggravates eczema, so calming the baby as much as possible is another way to tame the itchies.

  Eczema is not an easy condition to treat but with patience and following the necessary steps toward an allergy-free home, it can be managed effectively.