Characteristic

Baby's sensitive skin is prone to irritation due to skin diseases such as eczema (atopic dermatitis). However, most parents may still like to mistakenly recognize or just miss the characteristics of eczema on their baby's skin. Even though eczema can cause itching which is very disturbing to the baby and needs to be treated further.

What are the characteristics of eczema in babies?

The cause of eczema is still unknown.

However, various factors such as genetics, sensitive immune systems, and a family history of diseases such as food allergies, asthma, and dermatitis also play a role in the appearance of eczema on the baby's skin.

In addition, several external factors such as exposure to chemicals in skin care products and changes in temperature extremes can also trigger the recurrence of eczema symptoms in babies.

Now, to find out whether a baby has eczema or another skin disease, you should first know that the symptoms of eczema can look very different in adults and young children.

According to the National Eczema Association, the characteristics of eczema that appear in babies can be distinguished based on their age development. In babies, eczema symptoms usually begin to appear on the face within the first 6 months of life.

Characteristics of eczema in babies under 6 months

The most characteristic feature of eczema that appears in babies in the first 6 months of age is a rash in the form of a collection of red spots on the cheeks, chin, forehead, and scalp. The eczema rash can also make your baby's skin dry and scaly.

This reddish rash can cause itching and burning, which can make the baby fussy because it is uncomfortable.

Characteristics of eczema in babies aged 6-12 months

The eczema rash that was centered around the baby's face is now starting to spread to other parts of the body. Babies over 6 months to 12 months of age tend to experience a red itchy rash on the elbows, knees, and other areas that are easily scratched by their hands.

Broadly speaking, the characteristics of eczema in babies over 6 months can include:

Some parts of the skin turn dry and scaly. Initially on the face, namely the cheeks, chin, and forehead which can extend to the feet, wrists, elbows, and the folds of the body.
Skin irritation occurs which causes itching and burning.
Babies feel uncomfortable and often cry due to itching
The rash on all parts of the body generally has an identical shape.

The more frequently scratched, the baby's skin layer will be more damaged and easily infected from germs in the surrounding environment. As a result, the skin can turn yellow and appear red rashes that cause pain when scratched.

How to distinguish the symptoms of eczema in babies and regular acne?

The appearance of eczema and acne in babies are both characterized by reddish patches on the skin. However, they are two different skin problems.

Acne in babies occurs due to hormonal changes in the mother's body during pregnancy. Meanwhile, eczema is a genetic condition when the body can only produce a few so-called fat cells ceramide.

Apart from the different causes, here are some other differences between the characteristics of eczema and acne in babies so that you can get the right treatment for them:

1. Different colors and appearances

There are two types of pimples that appear on baby's skin. Neonatal acne, aka newborns, looks like white pimples, blackheads, or reddish rashes that may contain pus on the skin. Meanwhile, infantile acne (which appears at the age of 3-6 months) can appear in the form of blackheads, whiteheads, or forming cysts.

The characteristics of eczema in babies are different. Eczema-affected skin usually appears to have red patches with a dry, rough, and itchy surface. If infected, eczema will appear yellow with a pus-filled lump in the middle.

2. Different ages of symptoms

The formation of acne in babies varies according to type. Neonatal acne appears within the first 6 weeks after birth. Unlike neonatal acne, infantile acne usually only appears when the baby is 3-6 months old.

Eczema in babies can also occur in the early months of a baby's age, especially in the first month. However, eczema in babies generally appears between the ages of 6 months and 5 years.

3. Where the symptoms appear

Acne and eczema can appear in several parts of the body, but there are also parts of the body that are more susceptible. Acne appears more in certain areas such as the forehead, chin, scalp, neck, chest and back.

The characteristics of eczema in babies can also be seen on the forehead and chin area. During the first six months of your little one's life, eczema appears on the face, cheeks and scalp. Some babies can experience it in the joints of the arms and legs.

4. Different triggers

There are various factors that can make acne symptoms in babies worse. These factors include exposure to formula milk, clothes washed with strong detergents, or hygiene products that actually cause irritation.

The characteristics of eczema in babies can get worse if the baby's skin becomes dry, is exposed to irritants and allergens, and is exposed to heat and sweat. Conditions like stress can also make irritation and itching worse.

Eczema in babies and acne are almost similar. The symptoms of both can last for a while and you can handle them easily.

5. Different treatments

The difference is, the characteristics of eczema in babies cannot be cured. Meanwhile, acne in babies can be overcome. Eczema treatment only aims to eliminate the characteristics of eczema in babies and prevent it from reappearing.

So, if you find unusual symptoms appearing on your little one's body, don't hesitate to check with the relevant doctor in order to get the right treatment.

Can the characteristics of eczema in babies disappear?

The characteristics of eczema in babies are likely to disappear gradually until your little one is at school age. The reason is, the ability of the child's immune system is working better to fight inflammation and maintain healthy skin from within.

However, there are also certain cases where the characteristics of eczema in babies have disappeared, but usually their skin condition will remain dry until they enter adulthood.