Eczema is a rough red patch that is associated with extremely dry skin. It itches and scratching makes it worse. It is caused by an allergic reaction to food or fabric. It is common where a family member has already suffered from it. When it just begins it looks light pink in color but if the condition is not treated then it becomes bright red and begins to ooze puss.

Common areas that babies develop these rashes are on the cheeks, arms and legs. It is important that you treat the condition immediately in order to prevent the rash from spreading.

Treatment

For infants who develop eczema due to fabric rash, keep a watchful eye to zero down on the kinds of fabrics that cause the rashes. Stop using these fabrics immediately. Mostly infants are allergic to wool.

The single most important thing that you can do is to keep the baby well moisturized. Use a cream that is not scented. Do not use harsh soaps but use those that are glycerin based. Do not rub the towel on the child’s skin but pat dry after a bath. Baths should not last more than 10 minutes and water must be warm and not hot.

If the child has the reaction due to food, then cow’s milk is the culprit. Your baby may be asked to give up dairy completely and opt for soy milk instead.

Make sure that you prevent your child from itching the area as far as possible. Keep the finger nails as short as possible and file them regularly. The puss that stays on the nails gets transferred from one part of the body to another.

The thing to be careful about eczema is that it is a tendency inside the child. It is not an infection that you can take care of immediately. It starts at about 3 months and stays on for two years.