Hi All
Noticed that a lot of babies have eczema and would like to share my experience (not baby, maybe hubby genes stronger).
Sorry for the long note, and hope that my message will help some babies.
For eczema carriers, theres likelihood that 1 in 3 kids will have the same skin allergies. Given my history (including my mums family history, eczema too but different trigger), I would recommend to all to start baby on solid from 6 months onwards if possible. According to some professional website, breastfeeding will help to minimize skin allergies.
I'm borned with eczema and have very bad rashes since young (thankfully, now much much better). The key is to identify and avoid the trigger completely. There are 2 types of eczema, i) contact eczema or ii) food eczema.
Different people have different trigger. You can bring your baby to national skin center for patch test (contact allergies) or prick test (food allergies). I had my done at a young age, but definitely not baby (so better call to see if they can test on baby).
When down with eczema, try to keep your baby airy (cotton clothing, where possible) and avoid rash chemical that will further inflamed the skin (eczema is worst than chicken box to me). Perhaps you can leting yr baby sleep on his/her side (airy). Also wipe (pat) your baby often. I noticed that sweat (salty) will trigger eczema. So need to keep the baby as comfortable as possible.
Do not expose your baby to prolong steriod cream cos it will thin the skin if use continuously. Use steroid to treat ugly or angry rashes only and under 1 week. Also the skin will be resistant towards steroid cream when use for an extended period.
I'm allergic to preservative that can be found in 99.99% of all skincare, shampoo, bath gel, lotion, creams, washing powder, detergents, dishwash liquid etc. Im allergic to Chinese medicated oil, nickel (like silver, coins, keys), fragrance and alcohol. Even a dedicated baby shower/gel like Johnson & Johnson baby will trigger skin reaction. So do not assume all baby products should be mild enough for your baby. So key is to identify what trigger the rashes.
I no longer see skin specialist for many years now. What I have to do is to avoid chemical or things that Im allergic to.
