What is eczema?

Eczema is a general term for rash-like skin conditions. The most common type of eczema is called atopic dermatitis, which is an allergic reaction. Eczema is often very itchy and when you scratch it, the skin becomes red and inflamed. Eczema affects adults and children, but it is most common in babies and young children.

Medical experts are unsure of the exact cause of eczema but it is not contagious. You are more likely to have eczema if you have a family history of the condition. One theory as to why babies are more susceptible is that their skin is up to 5 times thinner than an adults making it prone to allergic reaction and bacteria.

Eczema can't be cured, but it can be managed, and you can learn to avoid the things that trigger it in your baby.

Here are some quick tips to help manage your babies eczema:

1. Limit your babies' contact with things that can irritate their skin. Some things that may irritate include detergents and soap which are chemical based and are designed to remove the natural oils from your babies skin.

Soap and wetness can cause skin irritation so wash your baby only when necessary and use organic baby skin care with as few ingredients as possible such as Dimpleskins. Avoid soaps and bubble baths completely if you can.

Gently pat your baby completely dry after you wash them using an organic baby towel to avoid rubbing chemicals onto the skin.

2. Use organic cotton baby clothing. Organic cotton can help babies with eczema because it doesn't contain the finishing chemicals or pesticide residues found in conventional cotton. Organic cotton has a longer smoother fibre because it is grown naturally without chemicals to boost production, this results in a silky smooth, ultra soft feel which can reduce irritation.

There is a lot of anecdotal evidence to say that babies with sensitive skin or eczema do much better wearing organic cotton clothing. Look out for specialist organic cotton baby clothing that has been designed with details that make the clothing highly suitable for babies with eczema, e.g. Flat seams, no neck label.

3. Select the right style and size of clothing for your baby.Your baby will not be more comfortable if the garment is too big, so beware of a baby grow that your baby will 'grow into'. Sensitive skin and areas of eczema benefit from being covered and kept at a constant even temperature. If clothing is loose then the fabric will move over the skin when the baby moves and any rough areas of eczema will catch on the fabric and cause discomfort.

Wearing clothing that is too big also creates folds in the fabric that then make some areas hotter (and itchier) than others. The fit should allow unhindered movement and be fairly close fitting without being tight. Beware of skin on skin contact within the garment, especially under the arms if the sleeve fit is too loose or between the legs if the gusset on a baby grow for example is too low.

This general rule is especially important for sleepwear and night wear.