Atopic dermatitis is the most common type of eczema. It usually appears beginning in infancy which is why it is also referred to as infantile or baby eczema. But half of these babies will no longer show any eczema symptom by the age of three. The remaining half are unlucky as they will have it for the rest of their lives. Although this is basically one type of eczema that affects different age groups, the treatment for children and babies with eczema varies compared to adults mainly because of the differences in ages and the variations in symptoms that they manifest.
Unlike other types of eczema, atopic dermatitis or baby eczema presents itself with a wide range of symptoms and manifestations according to age group. Therefore, babies with eczema have different symptoms compared to children and adults suffering from the same condition. It logically follows that there are also certain treatments suited for these variations in eczema symptoms with careful consideration of the age.
Babies with atopic dermatitis usually develop red itchy sores on the cheeks. These rashes often scale and ooze but they don't only appear on the cheeks of babies. They can also appear as neck rashes, on the legs, or on the arms. In children, the symptoms are more severe - characterized by a thick and dry skin rash with a more persistent itch. On the other hand, adults with baby eczema have the mildest manifestation as the rashes are duller than those on children and infants. In adults, however, symptoms are more widespread as they appear on the face, neck, and extremities.
Because the rashes of infantile eczema for babies, children, and adults share the same characteristic of being dry and itchy, a good treatment choice should address these two symptoms. A standard dry skin cure is to moisturize the skin naturally. Babies can be re-hydrated naturally by bottle-feeding them with sterile water. Breastfeeding and formula also provide good sources of hydration for them. Children and adults have more options for natural re-hydration other than water. They can eat or drink fruit juice, fruit, and other natural sources that can replenish their skin's moisture.
As for medical cures for dry skin, there is not much that can be done for people of all age groups. Remember that skin with eczema is more irritable so applying plain dry skin lotion on the affected area can only worsen the rashes. There are natural lotions available in the market however, composed of Aloe Vera and Blueberry leaves. These lotions are effective dry skin remedies but are still considered to be natural treatments due to their composition.
When talking about the skin's itchiness, the natural treatment option has something to do with clothing. For example, babies, children, and adults should be dressed in clothes made with pure cotton because synthetic fibers are rough on the skin and could cause further skin irritation. Along with this method, nails should be trimmed short to eliminate possibilities of causing skin lesions on already-sensitive skin. Mittens can also be worn at night during sleep to avoid any cuts on the skin that can be made when scratching during sleep.
Topical applications such as eczema creams provide medical management for the two normal symptoms of baby eczema which includes itchy and dry skin. But not all of these creams for eczema can be used with babies and children. Steroids are typical ingredients of eczema creams because they have anti-inflammatory properties that counteract the swelling and inflammation due to eczema. But steroids have an addictive property and are not good to use for children and babies with eczema. They are not even ideal to use with adults who have a chronic case of atopic dermatitis. Hence, it is best to stay away from creams that have steroids in them. Better yet, stick to eczema creams that are specifically formulated to counteract baby eczema symptoms.
Atopic dermatitis is a complicated variety of eczema with different treatment approaches depending on the age of the afflicted as well as the symptoms that they manifest. If you have children, or are suffering from baby eczema yourself, it is important that you know all of the possible treatment options.
Charles Perkins is a skin care expert. For more information about baby eczema visit http://www.goodbyeeczema.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Charles_Perkins
Unlike other types of eczema, atopic dermatitis or baby eczema presents itself with a wide range of symptoms and manifestations according to age group. Therefore, babies with eczema have different symptoms compared to children and adults suffering from the same condition. It logically follows that there are also certain treatments suited for these variations in eczema symptoms with careful consideration of the age.
Babies with atopic dermatitis usually develop red itchy sores on the cheeks. These rashes often scale and ooze but they don't only appear on the cheeks of babies. They can also appear as neck rashes, on the legs, or on the arms. In children, the symptoms are more severe - characterized by a thick and dry skin rash with a more persistent itch. On the other hand, adults with baby eczema have the mildest manifestation as the rashes are duller than those on children and infants. In adults, however, symptoms are more widespread as they appear on the face, neck, and extremities.
Because the rashes of infantile eczema for babies, children, and adults share the same characteristic of being dry and itchy, a good treatment choice should address these two symptoms. A standard dry skin cure is to moisturize the skin naturally. Babies can be re-hydrated naturally by bottle-feeding them with sterile water. Breastfeeding and formula also provide good sources of hydration for them. Children and adults have more options for natural re-hydration other than water. They can eat or drink fruit juice, fruit, and other natural sources that can replenish their skin's moisture.
As for medical cures for dry skin, there is not much that can be done for people of all age groups. Remember that skin with eczema is more irritable so applying plain dry skin lotion on the affected area can only worsen the rashes. There are natural lotions available in the market however, composed of Aloe Vera and Blueberry leaves. These lotions are effective dry skin remedies but are still considered to be natural treatments due to their composition.
When talking about the skin's itchiness, the natural treatment option has something to do with clothing. For example, babies, children, and adults should be dressed in clothes made with pure cotton because synthetic fibers are rough on the skin and could cause further skin irritation. Along with this method, nails should be trimmed short to eliminate possibilities of causing skin lesions on already-sensitive skin. Mittens can also be worn at night during sleep to avoid any cuts on the skin that can be made when scratching during sleep.
Topical applications such as eczema creams provide medical management for the two normal symptoms of baby eczema which includes itchy and dry skin. But not all of these creams for eczema can be used with babies and children. Steroids are typical ingredients of eczema creams because they have anti-inflammatory properties that counteract the swelling and inflammation due to eczema. But steroids have an addictive property and are not good to use for children and babies with eczema. They are not even ideal to use with adults who have a chronic case of atopic dermatitis. Hence, it is best to stay away from creams that have steroids in them. Better yet, stick to eczema creams that are specifically formulated to counteract baby eczema symptoms.
Atopic dermatitis is a complicated variety of eczema with different treatment approaches depending on the age of the afflicted as well as the symptoms that they manifest. If you have children, or are suffering from baby eczema yourself, it is important that you know all of the possible treatment options.
Charles Perkins is a skin care expert. For more information about baby eczema visit http://www.goodbyeeczema.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Charles_Perkins