Diagnosis
Since the combined occurrence of redness, swelling, and weeping or crusted vesicles is characteristic of eczema, eczema in babies is a diagnosis of gaze. However, to determine the cause of the baby’s eczema, a detailed interview with the parents (the so-called medical history) is necessary. The doctor will ask whether the baby may have been exposed to toxic substances, which could indicate toxic contact dermatitis.
If the baby has been in contact with allergenic substances such as nickel, this could be an indication of the presence of allergic contact dermatitis. The presence of other diseases of the baby, such as allergic asthma or hay fever, can lead to the suspicion of atopic eczema (neurodermatitis). The occurrence of asthma, hay fever or neurodermatitis in the family would then additionally confirm the suspected diagnosis.
Also the question about skin care products used in babies can be useful, for example to diagnose seborrhoeic eczema. Especially for the diagnosis of allergic contact eczema and atopic eczema, some additional test procedures such as a blood test or an epicutaneous test are used, more rarely a prick test. With the help of these test procedures, substances that lead to hypersensitivity reactions in babies (so-called allergens) can be identified.
Therapy
Eczema is often accompanied by severe itching, which can lead to the affected skin areas being scratched open and small injuries being caused. Small injuries to the skin allow bacteria or viruses to colonize the skin. To avoid this so-called super or secondary infection with bacteria or viruses, eczema should always be treated.
First of all, various ointments can be considered, which are applied to the affected skin areas, such as the hairy head, face, especially the cheeks, as well as feet, hands and bottom. The consistency of the ointment depends on the stage of the eczema. If the eczema is acute and manifests itself mainly through redness, swelling and weeping, ointments with a high water content should be used.
If the eczema is chronic (long-lasting), ointments with a high fat content should be used, as these protect the scaly, dry skin from further dehydration. If the eczema is very itchy, additional cooling gels, lotions or cold compresses can be used, as these help to relieve the itching. Massive itching can also be treated with medication, so-called antihistamines.
If the eczema is superinfected with bacteria or viruses, antibiotic and antiseptic ointments are also used. In worse cases antibiotics have to be administered in the form of tablets. However, the elimination of the cause of the eczema is of utmost importance. This means that toxic or allergenic substances that caused the eczema should be avoided in the future.
