Most babies who suffer from eczema have atopic eczema where the condition is hereditary and allergy related.

The most common symptoms of atopic baby eczema are dry, itchy and inflamed skin that causes redness, swelling, weeping and scaling. Although it can affect any area of the body atopic eczema is most commonly found on the head, face, neck, arms and behind the knees.

Moisturise the skin

One of the most important things to do when trying to control atopic baby eczema is keep the skin moist. You can simply rub a good moisturiser into the skin after bathing and before bedtime or you can add a bath oil to the bath water. Allow your baby to soak in the water for 10 - 15 minutes to enable the bath oil to penetrate into the skin and offer a protective layer over the top of the skin.

I believe the bath oil is the most effective form of moisturising a small baby’s skin all over. However a combination of both will more adequately offer 24 hour moisture.

Allergens trigger atopic baby eczema

Atopic baby eczema is triggered by allergens and whilst your baby can be allergic to any number of things the most common allergens affecting atopic eczema in babies are wool or synthetic fibres, soaps, detergents, some perfumes, dust, pollen and some foods.

In addition to this, emotional issues, temperature and climate, and skin infections may also trigger atopic baby eczema. Avoiding any known or possible allergens will help to control the eczema.

Prevention is better than cure

There are three main aims when treating atopic baby eczema:

• Healing the skin and keeping it healthy
• Preventing outbreaks
• Treating outbreaks when they occur

Prevention is better than cure when it comes to atopic baby eczema. Being careful with your skin, keeping your skin moisturised, wearing appropriate clothing and keeping your immediate environment free from allergens can lessen the outbreaks.