Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is prevalent in babies and can be challenging for parents to manage.
Approximately 10%–20% of babies in Canada have atopic dermatitis. For both clinicians and caregivers, identifying atopic dermatitis, putting it into remission, and then maintaining control can be difficult.
Atopic dermatitis affects more than just the skin; it affects the entire family, so controlling atopic dermatitis properly during this vital moment in an infant’s development is critical.
According to the authors, these five key messages for general and specialist care professionals, as well as carers, will encourage best practices for managing newborn atopic dermatitis.
- Atopic dermatitis on cheeks, outer limbs, and trunk are common in infants, but classic eczema of the knees and elbow creases may not appear until later in childhood.
- The best moisturizer is one that both caregivers and patients will use.
- According to recent research, using moisturizers of any kind—lotion, cream, gel, or ointment—at least twice daily can help manage atopic dermatitis.
- Since atopic dermatitis is an inflammatory disorder, anti-inflammatory medication is necessary for treatment.
- To control flares, the lowest amount of topical steroids should be applied.
- Applying once daily is just as beneficial as applying twice daily.
- If flares occur frequently, applying topical drugs intermittently (two consecutive days, for example, on weekends) can help avoid future flares.
- Antibiotics should not be used often to treat local secondary bacterial infections, according to the evidence.
- Avoiding foods could worsen eczema and raise the risk of developing a food allergy.
Image Credit: Getty