Eczema is a term that is broadly applied to a number of various skin conditions that are characterized by red and irritated skin which occasionally ends up as tiny fluid-filled bumps that ooze liquid. In children, the most common cause of eczema is atopic dermatitis, also called infantile eczema. It occurs in both infants and older children.

Children who have from eczema usually have family members who suffer from allergies such as asthma and high fever. Some experts believe that these children are genetically inclined to have eczema. Nearly half of children who get eczema will develop high fever or asthma themselves in the future. However, eczema in kids is also set off by environmental triggers such as excessive heat.

Eczema Signs and Symptoms

The signs and symptoms and symptoms usually appear within a few months after birth, often before the age of five. Fortunately, more than half of the children who have eczema today will not have it anymore by the time they reach their teens. 

Eczema symptoms are hugely varied in its early stages. Kids between the age of 2 and 6 months develop dry, itchy, red skin. Small bumps may appear on their forehead, scalp and cheeks. Sometimes the rash can spread to your baby’s hands, legs and trunk. Round, itchy, scaly, slightly raised rashes may develop on the back of the wrist and ankles, behind the knees or on the bends of elbows. Crusted or open lesions may also develop on affected areas. The rashes get less watery as children get older. The rashes become scalier and extremely dry and itchy. Eczema symptoms have a tendency to get worse before improving on time. Flare ups also do occur from time to time.

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It is difficult to tell just how long eczema lasts. In several cases, eczema goes into remission and its symptoms vanish completely for several months or even years. Eczema symptoms are also known to improve for a long period of time only to resurface during the start of puberty. This may be due to hormones, the use of harsh skin products and cosmetics, stress as well as other factors that experts are still trying to pinpoint. Also, some kids who develop eczema may get some level of dermatitis as adults and experience itching and have dry, scaly skin in some areas.

Eczema is not contagious as some people might think so you need not keep you child away from a sibling or other family member who has eczema.

Treating Eczema

There are a number of treatments available that can be used to cure eczema and/or alleviate its symptoms. The most widely used are topical corticosteroids. Corticosteroids –also called cortisone or steroid – are creams or ointments that are used to locally treat a number of inflammatory skin problems including eczema. Topical corticosteroids for eczema typically contain hydrocortisone which is similar to corticosteroid cortisol that is naturally-occurring. Topical corticosteroids do not actually cure eczema since they do not affect that actual underlying cause of this skin disorder. Rather, they curb the inflammation in the skin that triggers eczema flare-ups and as thus, alleviate other symptoms that include itching and redness.

However, it is important to consult your pediatrician before applying corticosteroid to your baby’s skin. It is also crucial to use corticosteroids for as long as your doctor recommends. Corticosteroids come in varying strength and applying a fairly strong corticosteroid may damage your baby’s sensitive skin.

If your baby has sensitive skin, there are non-steroid medications out in the market right now.

Deborah Williams is a child care expert consultant on a non-government organization promoting environmentally friendly cleaning products and eco friendly cleaning. BabyGanics is the manufacturer of natural baby products made with all-natural ingredients for effective and skin care products.
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Everyone loves to spoil their children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, brothers, and sisters. The holidays are a perfect reason to spoil a baby without feeling guilty about it. You can buy as many gifts as you want that will light up a big, bright smile on your baby’s face. You could even buy gifts that are good for your baby or a baby that you might be buying for. Keep in mind to buy gifts that are safe, healthy and age appropriate. Here are some ideas for baby gifts during the holidays.

Toys are great for babies and small children. They offer hours of entertainment, are fun to play with, and can also be educational. When buying toys, it is better to find a toy that your baby will benefit from. A lot of toys are designed to be educational. Also, you should look at all toys and check the age level which is included on most toy boxes. Small toys can be dangerous to small children. Check toys for any damages that could scratch your child or be swallowed.

Clothes are great gifts for any age. Baby clothes especially are so cute and good to give because babies go through so many changes during the day. They also grow so fast that they always need new outfits. Baby clothes also have the most festive holiday designs such as reindeer, snowflakes, angels, or Santa Claus. You can find organic clothes that are made with fabrics that won’t irritate or scratch your baby’s skin causing eczema flare ups.

Diapers and <a title=”diaper ointment” target=”_blank” href=”http://www.homesteadcompany.com/”>diaper ointment</a> can become very expensive. Parents with small children and babies in diapers will appreciate a couple of packages of diapers and diaper ointment. It will help cut monthly costs spent on diapers. This may not seem like a fun gift, but the parents will really appreciate the help. Gifts don’t always have to be luxurious or fun; they can be items that are needed. If you decide to give diapers and/or ointment as a gift, buy organic products or cloth diapers that won’t cause a rash.

Gifts for a baby’s room are thoughtful and can last for years. You can give decorative pieces that will be cherished as the baby gets older too. You could give a night light, lamp, blanket, crib sheets, a rocking chair, or some other type of furniture. Another decorative piece that will surely be cherished is a stuffed animal. They sure have come a long way from the traditional teddy bear, and you can get any sort of stuffed animal. A lot of these gifts will be appreciated by the parents as well.

Melanie Nader is the founder of the Homestead Company which makes premium quality natural skin care products including eczema oil and diaper ointment made with the finest 100% natural ingredients. For more information, visit http://www.homesteadcompany.com.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/babies-articles/baby-gifts-for-the-holidays-1565641.html

Winter conditions such as dry winds, cold temperatures, snow, and rain can be harmful for your baby. It is common for babies and young children to get sick in the winter because of decreasing temperatures and the flu season. The harsh winter weather alone can cause damage to your baby’s skin. Their skin is so sensitive and can become irritated more so than adults’ skin. Cold winter air and dry, heated indoor air can cause irritation and dryness of the skin making eczema flare ups more frequent. Here are some ways to protect your baby’s skin during the winter.

When bathing your baby, be extra cautious of the water temperature. You should always practice safe bathing techniques, not just in the winter. The temperature should be lukewarm, a mixture of hot and cold water. Cold water will making your baby uncomfortable and water that is too hot can dry the skin out more or burn their sensitive skin. Also, use soap made from natural products that aren’t too heavily scented. Unnatural products can contain harsh chemicals that could make a winter rash worse. Moisturizing after bathing is smart because the skin is clean. It is common for babies to suffer from eczema, so using <a title=”eczema oil” target=”_blank” href=”http://www.homesteadcompany.com/”>eczema oil</a> will help to prevent that.

You may be surprised to know that babies can regulate their body temperature just as well as adults can. Don’t dress your baby in too many layers trying to keep them warm. If your baby becomes overheated they may develop an irritating heat rash. Keep your baby warm with jackets and blankets. Dress your baby in material that can breathe a little such as cotton. Dress your baby as you would dress yourself. It is common to add an extra layer of clothing to your outfit to stay warm, but only layer up once.

Adults and babies are often irritated by chapped lips during the winter. It may not seem like your baby’s lips could get chapped because they appear moist from drooling, teething, or having a pacifier. You can use a lip balm on your baby but make sure it isn’t the kind that has a tint of color. Find an organic brand that won’t cause irritation. Using lip balm will add a protective layer that will heal or prevent chapped lips.

To protect your baby’s hands and feet, which are often exposed to the outside elements, you can use gloves and socks. Wearing gloves will protect your baby’s hands from cold winter winds. When skin is exposed to wind, cold air, and other elements, the skin can become very dry. A lot of heat is also lost through the tops of our heads. Find a cute, little beanie or hat for your baby to wear. Unlike adults, some babies don’t have a lot of hair to keep the tops of their heads warm.

Melanie Nader is the founder of the Homestead Company which makes premium quality natural skin care products including eczema oil and diaper ointment made with the finest 100% natural ingredients. For more information, visit http://www.homesteadcompany.com.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/babies-articles/protecting-your-babys-skin-in-winter-1545550.html