Article Summary:
- Baby eczema is a skin disorder that can cause red and itchy skin.
- There is no “main” cause for eczema instead it is thought to be caused by many factors such as genetics, a highly reactive immune system or a weakened skin barrier, and environmental triggers. Eczema flare ups can be triggered by certain food allergies.
- There is no cure for eczema, but parents can take steps to manage their baby’s eczema at home.
What Is Eczema?
Eczema is a term used to describe different skin disorders.1 The most common type of eczema is atopic dermatitis, which affects 10% of infants and children in Canada.1 This chronic condition causes red, itchy skin.1 Eczema may look like a rash and can make your baby’s skin appear dry, thick or rough.2 If your baby has eczema, you might find it on their forehead, cheeks and scalp, it may also occur on their knees, elbows and body.1 Older children usually have it on their hands, ankles, wrists, feet and the bends of their knees and elbows.1 Your little one may outgrow eczema, but it can reappear later in life.1
What Causes Eczema in Babies?
Various factors can cause eczema in your newborn. If your baby has eczema, it doesn’t mean you’ve done anything wrong as a parent. Here are a few things that can cause eczema in babies:
- Genetics: Genetics can influence whether or not your baby gets eczema.1 If you have a family history of eczema, your baby could be more prone to getting it.2
- Skin barrier problems: Your skin’s barrier is supposed to stop moisture from leaving and prevent irritants from entering it. People with eczema may have a weaker skin barrier, and their skin may not retain moisture as well. This causes dry skin, which can allow irritants to enter.1 Genetics can also play a role in skin barrier problems. A gene called filaggrin makes the skin protein filaggrin, when it doesn’t work properly the skin barrier becomes impaired.1
- A reactive immune system: An immune system that’s highly reactive to irritants can lead to eczema. If your baby’s immune system has a strong reaction to irritants, their skin may become red and itchy.1
Food Allergies and Eczema
As a parent, you’ll be happy to know that food allergies don’t typically cause eczema;1 however, it’s possible for allergens to trigger eczema flare-ups.3 Cow’s milk protein allergy is one of the most common allergies in infants. If your baby has a cow’s milk protein allergy , cow’s milk protein can be passed to them if you breastfeed and consume dairy.4 Some infant formulas contain cow’s milk protein.4 You can start to improve eczema flare-ups from a suspected cow’s milk protein allergy in as early as 3 weeks^ with Nutramigen® A+® with LGG®. Talk to your doctor if you suspect your baby has cow's milk protein allergy.
Managing Your Baby’s Eczema
Unfortunately, there isn’t a cure for baby eczema, but parents can still take steps to control it at home.2 To manage your baby’s eczema:
- Try applying moisturizer regularly. Applying a gentle, fragrance free moisturizer (not a lotion) can help improve your little one’s dry skin.2 You can apply moisturizer to their skin multiple times per day.2 Applying moisturizer immediately to damp skin after a bath can help keep moisture in their skin.2
- Dress your little one in loose clothing. Loose clothing and cotton fabrics can also help manage eczema.2 Choosing long sleeves and pants can also help keep moisturizer on your baby’s skin and prevent them from scratching.2
- Use the right laundry detergent. Wash your baby’s clothing with gentle fragrance free laundry detergent and skip the dryer sheets.1
If you’re having a hard time controlling your baby’s eczema, don’t be afraid to contact your doctor.1
Understanding baby eczema can help you manage it and comfort your little one. Take control with Nutramigen® A+® with LGG®. Physicians reported improvement in 86% of infants with rash/eczema** from suspected cow’s milk protein allergy^. Talk to your doctor if you suspect your baby has cow's milk protein allergy. Visit the Allergy Centre to keep learning about baby allergies, cow’s milk protein allergy and more.
^ HCPS evaluated eczema in infants with suspected cow's milk protein allergy and reported improvement in 86% of infants by the follow up visit.
** within 3-6 weeks between follow-up visits.
- https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthy-eating-physical-activity/age-and-stage/infants-children-and-youth/eczema-and-food-allergy
- https://caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/pregnancy-and-babies/your-babys-skin
- https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/Pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=hw216104
- https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-topics/cows-milk-protein-allergy-babies