Baby's skin is more sensitive. For example, synthetic fibers, wool, or rough linen fibers may trigger eczema, especially in cold winters. Let's look at the causes of baby eczema and how to care for eczema in winter.
Causes of Baby Eczema
1. Irritants
Baby may come into contact with objects that are irritating to the skin, such as synthetic fibers, wool, or rough linen clothes, which may trigger eczema.
Some shower gels and laundry detergents can also be irritating to the skin, so it is best to choose gentle products to prevent baby eczema.
2. Skincare Products
The choice of skincare products for infants is important. If skincare and hair care products contain a lot of fragrance or strong irritants, they may trigger eczema when in contact with the skin.
3. Allergens
Eczema is closely related to asthma and allergic rhinitis, so allergens can also trigger eczema.
For example, the metabolic substances of pets can become airborne particles, and children who are allergic to them may not only develop allergic diseases but also eczema when they inhale them.
4. Infection
Children with eczema are more prone to flare-ups when they are sick, such as colds, otitis media, gastroenteritis, and pneumonia.
5. Weather
Eczema is easily triggered in hot, humid summers and cold, dry winters. Sudden changes in temperature can also lead to eczema.
6. Food
Although food allergies are not common causes of eczema, in a small number of infants and young children with severe eczema, food allergies such as milk, eggs, nuts, and seafood should be considered as triggers.
How to Care for Baby Eczema in Winter
Firstly, the environment is crucial. The environment where the baby is should be kept clean and moisturized. The room temperature should not be too high, as it can worsen eczema.
Also, do not bathe the baby too frequently in winter.
Once a day or every other day is sufficient. The water temperature should not be too hot, and avoid using alkaline bath products. If the eczema is severe or oozing, do not bathe the baby, especially avoid water contact with the affected area. For babies with crusts, you can use plant oil (olive oil) to gently wipe the crusts and gradually soften them.
Foods to Avoid for Babies with Eczema
1. Allergenic Foods
If you find allergenic foods in your baby's diet, such as milk, egg whites, fish, shrimp, crab, beef, lamb, chicken, duck, goose, pollen, etc., these foods should be completely avoided.
2. Raw Foods
Avoid raw foods such as raw tomatoes and certain shell fruits, such as almonds, chestnuts, walnuts, as well as certain fruits like peaches, grapes, lychees, bananas, pineapples, longans, mangoes, strawberries, etc.
3. Spicy and Stimulating Foods
Do not eat foods such as onions, garlic, ginger, chili, Sichuan pepper, etc., which are spicy and stimulating. These foods can aggravate eczema and should be avoided.
4. Dampness-Inducing, Blood-Activating, and Qi-Activating Foods
Traditional Chinese medicine suggests that people with eczema should avoid dampness-inducing foods such as bamboo shoots, taro, beef, onions, ginger, pears, garlic, and leeks; blood-activating foods such as mushrooms, peppers, etc.; and qi-activating foods such as lamb, lotus seeds, and fox nuts.
