Atopic dermatitis in babies: causes, treatments and essential care

Before we talk about atopic dermatitis, why don’t we understand better what essential skin care for children involves? Check out a list of tips below! 

Bath time

The first step is to understand how to bathe your children! The best tip is: avoid long baths, especially for newborns. Ideally, they should not last more than 5 to 10 minutes . 

In addition, use mild soaps without strong fragrances or additives that can irritate the skin. The same goes for shampoos. Always choose those with a neutral pH, suitable for babies, and avoid harsh products that irritate the eyes. 

Finally, another tip: the water for bathing should be lukewarm, never hot .

Hydration

After bathing, apply gentle emollients to damp skin to maintain moisture. 

Wet wipes

While convenient, baby wipes can strip your skin of its natural oils and cause dermatitis. Use them only when you’re going out and clean the area with water after use.

Protection  

To protect your skin from diaper irritation, use creams instead of talcum powder, which can be accidentally inhaled. 

What is atopic dermatitis and how does it affect a baby’s skin?

Now, let’s get to it! Atopic dermatitis is a common form of eczema , especially prevalent in childhood, although it can also appear in adolescence or adulthood. 3

According to Dr. Flávia Addor, a dermatologist, atopic dermatitis is a chronic, inflammatory and non-contagious disease that affects the skin, causing dryness, itching and lesions, which can be red, rough or flaky.3 “They are often accompanied by itching, which can be very intense,” she points out.

In general, the areas most affected are usually the large folds of the body, such as the insides of the elbows, behind the knees and the neck . In young children, the face can also be affected. 3

Atopic dermatitis may be accompanied by other allergic conditions, such as asthma, rhinitis or conjunctivitis , although these do not always occur simultaneously. In other words, it is possible that some respiratory and ocular manifestations arise with the skin symptoms. 

What are the causes of atopic dermatitis in babies?

Atopic dermatitis in babies is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors . Although the exact cause is still unknown, it is known that babies with a family history of atopic conditions, such as eczema, asthma or allergic rhinitis, are more likely to develop it.

Environmental factors that can trigger or worsen atopic dermatitis include: 

  • soaps, shampoos and other hygiene products, which can irritate the baby’s skin;
  • dry air or sudden changes in temperature;
  • clothing fabric, such as wool or synthetic woven materials;
  • food allergies, such as those to foods like milk and eggs, which may be associated with atopic dermatitis attacks.
  • scratching affected areas can lead to infections and worsen the condition.

How to identify the symptoms of atopic dermatitis in babies?  

Symptoms of atopic dermatitis in babies can vary depending on their age.  Continue reading to learn the signs for each stage!

Newborns (up to 6 months)

In newborns, atopic dermatitis usually appears on the face , especially the cheeks, chin, forehead, and scalp . In addition, the skin often appears red and moist, with oozing. 

Finally, the issue usually does not affect the diaper area due to the moisture that protects this region. 

Babies (6 to 12 months)

Eczema tends to appear on the elbows and knees, areas that your baby rubs or scratches while crawling . Additionally, if there is an infection, the rash may develop yellow crusts or small pus-filled blisters

Young children (2 to 5 years old)

In children, eczema appears in the creases of the elbows, knees, wrists, ankles, and hands , but it can also appear around the mouth and on the eyelids. In these patients, the skin may become dry, scaly, and thick, with deeper lines, a condition called “lichenification.” 

What is the recommended treatment for atopic dermatitis in babies? 

Treatment for atopic dermatitis in babies involves strategies to control symptoms, prevent flare-ups, and improve the child’s comfort. While there is no cure, the following approaches are recommended for treating the condition.2,4 Check it out!

Identify and avoid triggers

Avoid environmental factors that aggravate eczema, such as harsh soaps, synthetic fabrics, dust, extreme temperatures, and foods that can cause allergies. 

Bathing and moisturizing routine

We’ve already discussed this, but bath time is also essential for caring for atopic babies! So, give short baths, lasting 5 to 10 minutes, with warm water and mild soap, followed by a generous application of fragrance-free moisturizer to keep their skin hydrated. 

Medication 

Use moisturizing ointments and products designed for sensitive skin.

Other care

Finally, other tips include wearing soft cotton clothing and keeping your baby’s nails trimmed to avoid injuries caused by scratching. 

What are the daily care measures for managing atopic dermatitis in babies?  

Daily care for managing atopic dermatitis in babies includes a specific hygiene and hydration routine , as well as avoiding factors that can trigger or worsen symptoms.  

“There is no definitive cure, because dermatitis is genetically determined, but the patient’s own habits, in addition to practices to avoid dry skin, help a lot to prevent flare-ups,”

Proper bath

Bathing an atopic baby should follow the following principles: be quick, gentle, with appropriate products and plenty of hydration.

Frequent hydration

Moisturize your baby’s skin at least twice a day or as needed , especially after bathing, to help maintain skin moisture. 

Use of medication

In some cases, your dermatologist may prescribe topical corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and itching. Follow your doctor’s instructions regarding the amount and frequency of use, as babies are more sensitive to these medications.

Identify and avoid triggers:

Some factors, such as sweat, saliva, dust, tobacco smoke, pollutants and fragranced hygiene products , can aggravate dermatitis. 2 Continue to learn more about them!

How to prevent atopic dermatitis outbreaks in babies? 

And since we’re talking about triggers, it’s important that you know what they are, right? In most cases, the problems that cause atopic dermatitis flare-ups in children are:

  • dry skin;
  • use of products unsuitable for the child’s skin;
  • presence of irritants or allergy-causing agents in the environment;
  • wearing inappropriate clothing;
  • very hot temperature;
  • irritation of the region, such as scratching the lesions.

Even the presence of saliva in contact with the baby’s cheeks can cause outbreaks of the condition. Therefore, it is essential that the child’s skin is always well cared for, as is the environment in which he or she lives.

Conclusion: Atopic Dermatitis in Babies

In summary, atopic dermatitis is a common skin condition in babies that can cause significant discomfort. Early diagnosis and appropriate management are essential for reducing symptoms and preventing flare-ups. Parents should work closely with healthcare providers to develop effective skincare routines and identify potential triggers. With the right care, many babies can experience significant improvement in their skin health and overall comfort.

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