Even with millions of sufferers worldwide, medical science has not yet discovered the reason why some people suffer with eczema and others do not. This skin complaint is usually triggered by an adverse reaction to a substance, foodstuff or chemical etc. The condition known as baby eczema usually starts with a red rash on the infants face but this gradually gets worse until the skin becomes ridged and cracked. Anything up to one fifth of infants in the USA will suffer with this awful skin complaint.

With most babies, this skin complaint has all but cleared up by the time they are 24 months old. In some cases however, the condition becomes chronic and may continue into adulthood. This skin complaint can affect anyone at any age but is seen most in babies and infants. Unfortunately most people have suffered with this since they were at least five years of age but around 33 percent will have contracted the condition by the time they reached their first birthday.

Baby eczema is most likely to be most common type (atopic eczema) and is normally found on the arms, legs, face and scalp as a red rash that itches and has a scaly appearance. Moisturizing a baby's skin can help prevent atopic eczema but this skin condition does run in families. A baby's skin is much more sensitive and it is not uncommon for washing powders and softeners to trigger an attack. Some medical research into baby eczema has found a link to mothers who cease breastfeeding their baby's early so continuing this practice for a longer period may help ease the condition.

Although asthma triggers could also include other respiratory problems and medical conditions. Studies have also shown that it may be more common in those infants who suffer from allergic rhinitis or food allergies, or whose mothers suffer from asthma. Specialists in food allergies believe that up to 3 cases in ten of childhood cases are because the child has a food allergy; once the foodstuff causing the problem is discovered, it is just a simple matter of taking out of the child's meals. Even though this is a simple process, it can take some time but some of the common food groups are listed below:

• Sea and freshwater fish
• Cream and other milk products
• Foods containing wheat
• Any type meal prepared using eggs
• Foods containing peanuts

Baby eczema can also be caused as a result of the baby receiving antibiotics when the mother gave birth to her child. Treating babies requires a little more thought as they cannot tell us what irritates them so only bath them in lukewarm water and use fragrance free, hypoallergenic creams. After washing, a baby needs to be dressed in natural fabrics such as cotton; using only fragrance-free products, can also help. To stop a baby form scratching the irritated skin it is important to ensure they have their nails short and wear mittens which should help stop further infection. For infants with more serious baby eczema, antihistamine cream may be prescribed which should help stop the itching; local steroid creams are also prescribed when needed but just long enough to heal skin lesions. One thing is certain; this skin disorder is very common, yet remains a difficult form to control and fully overcome.