BABIES'
AND CHILDREN'S ECZEMA

Since atopic eczema tends to affect babies and small children - often causing a great deal of distress - it’s important parents understand the simple steps that can help lead to happier days and more restful nights for all the family.

YOUR QUESTIONS
OUR ANSWERS

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What causes eczema in babies?

Eczema is a hereditary condition that runs in families. The skin does not produce enough oily substances to protect itself, leaving it vulnerable and open to attack from allergens and irritants. This causes the skin to lose water, becoming dry and itchy, often on the cheeks, chin and joints. Most children outgrow eczema by school age, but it can persist into adulthood in some cases.


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Is eczema itchy?

Yes! Itching or pruritus is one of the primary features of eczema. The skin’s surface barrier is defective, meaning allergens and irritants can penetrate deeply, causing inflammation and release of the itch molecule histamine. Dry itchy eczema can be treated with soap substitutes and twice daily emollient application using a product that rebalances skin’s friendly bacteria.

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Does eczema spread?

Eczema is not contagious and does not spread from person to person. Eczema occurs on particular areas of the body. In babies, it usually occurs on the cheeks and chin, while in older children it often affects the skin folds of the neck, elbows and knees. It is important to teach children strategies to avoid scratching eczema lesions as they can get larger and affect more of the skin.

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What does eczema look like?

In babies, eczema causes rough, flaky red patches particularly on the cheeks and chin. In older children and adults the eczema patches become located mainly on the neck and in the skin folds around the elbows, wrists and behind the knees. Eczema patches can have scratch marks and may bleed. Blisters can also form and ooze. Over time, the skin can become thickened and leathery.


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Is eczema contagious?

No! Eczema is an atopic (allergic) condition that runs in families and primarily affects babies and children. It is not possible for anyone to “catch” eczema.

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ECZEMA

In the dedicated article below, we’ll talk you through a complete routine to care for newborn atopic eczema-prone skin with ultra-gentle, moisturising and soothing product recommendations. For good measure, you’ll also learn how to deal with nappy rash and irritated baby skin in general.

You’ll also find articles designed to empower your atopic eczema-prone child with top hacks to feel more in control. We’ve compiled expert tips and top product recommendations too, from how to stop itching from becoming a distraction at school, to which preventative measures to take during sports activities or hot weather to keep your child’s atopic eczema-prone skin in its comfort zone.

HOW TO
RECOGNIZE ECZEMA

Does your baby have eczema? Learn to identify the first signs of eczema on your baby's skin.
When Tamara started showing the first signs of eczema we didn't really diagnose what it was correctly, it took us almost one year to fully recognize that this is eczema. I feel a bit bad because I feel if I'd recognize it earlier I might have treated it better. What would you say are the first signs of recognizing that your baby has eczema? Eczema usually presents in babies as dry, red scaly patches of skin. It can affect any area of the body, often on the face and can involve the skin creases of the elbows and knee. It can vary in severity from mild dry patches to a more widespread eczema. Eczema itself is itchy and this causes scratching and discomfort and often babies have disturbed sleep at night so it becomes evident with time and the signs are usually very recognizable.

Did you
know?

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1 in 5 children have eczema. In 80% of cases, the condition resolves by itself before adulthood.

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Source: CHU Nantes, unité de cancérologie dermatologie spécialisation dermatite atopique, avril 2015  

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COMMITMENTS

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Our products' tolerance is verified on the most sensitive skin: reactive, allergic, acne-prone, atopic, damaged or weakened by cancer treatments.

SEE ALL ARTICLES ABOUT
WHAT CAUSES ECZEMA?

DEAR
READERS

The information displayed here is intended for general educational purposes only and should not in any case be a substitute for professional medical advice. You should always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with any medical question.