Infantile eczema is a common allergic skin inflammation in babies. It relates to the infant's immune system and environmental factors. What exactly causes infantile eczema?
Causes of infant eczema:
Internally, infants' skin has a stratum corneum only one-third as thick as adults', making it extremely delicate. Their capillaries are densely concentrated, with endothelial cells containing higher water and chloride levels, rendering them highly sensitive to irritants—hence the susceptibility to eczema.
Another internal factor is the genetic predisposition to eczema. If a child's parents have an allergic constitution and a history of eczema, that child's risk of developing eczema is significantly higher than average.
External factors also play a role. Allergies are a common trigger. If a child ingests substances that cause an allergic reaction—such as milk protein—eczema may develop, even in exclusively breastfed infants.
Certain components in foods consumed by the mother—such as shrimp, eggs, or milk—can pass through breast milk and trigger allergies in the newborn.
As children encounter various substances in the environment, they may be exposed to chemical gases in the air, mold spores, pollen from unsuitable houseplants, plant volatiles, dust mites, or animal dander.
When caring for the baby, various bath products, shampoos, and skincare items may be used, and some children may be allergic to certain ingredients in these products.
When a baby develops eczema, parents must know how to care for their child:
Maintain a clean living environment
Beyond eliminating allergens that trigger eczema, mothers should prioritize indoor hygiene. Ensure regular ventilation, especially avoiding damp, stuffy rooms. While humidity alone doesn't cause eczema, damp and hot conditions can worsen symptoms. Parents should pay particular attention to the environment and cleanliness of the nursery.
Change and Air Out Baby's Clothes Frequently
As mentioned above, humid and stuffy conditions can worsen infant eczema. Ensure your baby stays warm enough to avoid catching a cold, but avoid overdressing them. Overdressing causes sweating, which can trigger severe eczema flare-ups.
When selecting baby clothing, opt for natural cotton fabrics during eczema flare-ups. Cotton offers excellent breathability, keeping the baby's skin dry and comfortable. Avoid wool or acrylic materials, as they may cause itching and scratching, potentially re-infecting the eczema.
Additionally, baby clothes should be changed and washed frequently, thoroughly air-dried in sunny weather. When washing baby clothes, ensure they are rinsed thoroughly to remove all detergent residue, which can irritate the baby's skin.
Baby Skin Care and Hygiene
During eczema flare-ups, mothers should not avoid bathing the baby out of fear of infection—this is incorrect.Instead, ensure daily bathing with lukewarm water for just 15 minutes. After bathing, gently pat the skin dry and apply a specialized moisturizing lotion (or cream) for eczema. If fluid is oozing from the affected areas, apply an appropriate therapeutic ointment.
Dietary Considerations for Breastfeeding Mothers
If breastfeeding, mothers should avoid spicy or irritating foods and reduce intake of high-fat foods during the baby's eczema period. Additionally, breastfeeding should not be discontinued while the baby is ill, as breast milk provides essential nutrients and boosts the baby's immunity.
Cleansing Affected Areas or Entire Body with Mugwort Infusion
Mugwort, a common Chinese herbal remedy, is not only natural and non-toxic but also demonstrates noticeable efficacy for infant eczema.Spring and summer are peak seasons for infant eczema, coinciding with the full growth of mugwort. In rural areas, mugwort is readily available almost everywhere.
If gathering fresh mugwort leaves is not feasible, mugwort-infused baby bath pouches can be purchased online. These pouches are effective for both treating and preventing infant eczema.