The multiple types of baby eczema

Baby eczema can have vary significantly depending on the type of eczema present. There are four main types including atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, and seborrheic eczema (also known as cradle cap).

While the exact causes of eczema are unknown, researchers have found children develop eczema due a combination of genes and environmental triggers. Children who come from families with a history of ‘the atopic triad’ (atopic dermatitis, asthma, and hay fever) are more susceptible to developing eczema.

Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is the most common form of eczema in children. It is caused when the immune system goes into overdrive and as a result the skin cells react and flareup. General symptoms of atopic dermatitis include red, dry, and itchy skin. Sores may also be present. Infants and toddlers develop atopic dermatitis on places that are easy to scratch and rub as they are crawling. This is usually the elbows and knees. It is also commonly found on the face. In the older children, atopic dermatitis usually appears in the folds of skin. Rash or red skin behind the ears may also be a sign of atopic dermatitis. It is important to remember symptoms occur differently with each child.

Treating atopic dermatitis:

While the condition is long-lasting, treatment aims to ease itching and inflammation, add moisture, and prevent infection. Grahams Natural has developed a natural baby eczema cream to provide effective relief for children with sensitive skin. It is recommended to be used in conjunction with the Grahams Natural baby body and bath oil for best results.

Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis occurs when the skin reacts to contact with a substance. These can ether be irritants or allergens. Irritants are the most common cause of contact dermatitis in children. It is the direction reaction of contact with a substance. In comparison allergens cause the immune system to react. The body releases defence chemicals that cause skin symptoms.

In children the most common irritants are:

  • Soaps and detergents
  • spit (saliva)
  • urine in a diaper
  • lotions and perfumes

In children the most common allergens are:

  • Plants: in particular poison ivy, oak and sumac
  • metals
  • latex
  • cosmetics
  • and medicines

Unlike atopic dermatitis, it is not genetic and not linked to any other form of illness like asthma or hay fever. General symptoms of contact dermatitis include red and itchy skin. The main symptomatic difference between atopic dermatitis and contact dermatitis can cause the skin to blister and burn which can have a major impact on a person’s quality of life.

Treating contact dermatitis:

To relieve irritated and inflamed skin, Grahams Natural Baby eczema cream is specially formulated to do this. The product works to soothe and repair your child’s skin. If the condition is found in the nappy region, we recommend the use of our naturally formulated nappy rash cream. This product has been specifically designed to dry out the moisture that creates the rash in this area. Once the irritant or allergen has been identified, it is important to avoid this substance.

Dyshidrotic eczema

Dyshidrotic eczema is defined as small, intensely itchy, water filled blisters on the feet or hands. Although it involves limited areas of the body, they are areas that are frequently seen and can have a big impact on those with the condition. Dyshidrotic means ‘disordered sweating’ and while sweat itself doesn’t cause the condition, having moist palms and soles can trigger flares as it leads to itching and scratching. It is known to run in families and is linked to fungal infections in the hands and feet.

Treating dyshidrotic eczema:

Grahams baby eczema cream is specially formulated to relieve irritated and inflamed skin. Our baby bath and body oil also works to protect and repair the skin.

Seborrheic eczema

Seborrheic dermatitis in children appears on the scalp and is commonly known as ‘cradle cap’. The cause of seborrheic dermatitis is not known, however is believed to be a combination of factors including genes, yeast that lives naturally on the skin, stress, chemical irritants and dry/cold weather that causes the skin to overproduce oil. Researchers have also found seborrheic dermatitis in infants can be caused by hormones from the mother. Unlike other forms of eczema, seborrheic dermatitis is not a result of an allergy.

It usually disappears between the age 6-12 months. Symptoms include yellow crust, red and flaky skin, pink patches that join with the red skin and swollen skin.

Treating seborrheic eczema:

Grahams Natural have a specially formulated cradle cap oil to facilitate the removal of the milk crust and other sebaceous-scaly conditions of the newborn. It helps to improve the appearance of the crust and works to regulate sebum production, limiting its development.