Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a common skin condition among infants. It manifests itself as red patches, itching and sometimes oozing on baby's delicate skin. In this article, we'll explore the causes, symptoms, and solutions for managing eczema in infants, with a particular emphasis on the importance of choosing the right detergent to prevent this condition.
What is infant eczema?
Infant eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin disease. It often appears before the age of two and can persist into adolescence or even adulthood. The most commonly affected areas are the face, scalp, hands, feet, and the folds of the elbows and knees.
Causes of eczema in infants
The exact causes of eczema are not fully understood, but several factors can contribute to its appearance:
1. **Genetic factors**: A family history of allergies, asthma or eczema increases the risk of developing this condition. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 20% of children worldwide suffer from atopic dermatitis.
2. **Environmental factors**: Exposure to irritants and allergens, such as dust, pet hair, and certain foods, can trigger or worsen eczema.
3. **Laundry detergent**: The detergent used to wash baby's clothes plays a crucial role. Chemicals, fragrances and dyes in some detergents can irritate baby's sensitive skin and cause eczema flare-ups. A study carried out by the Dermatitis Research Center indicates that 35% of children with symptoms of eczema react to substances contained in common laundry detergents.
4. **Parents' laundry**: It is important to note that the baby is also in contact with his parents' laundry. If they use detergents containing irritating products, this can also affect the child's skin.
Symptoms of eczema in infants
Symptoms of eczema can vary depending on the severity of the condition, but they generally include:
- Red or brown patches on the skin.
- Intense itching.
- Areas of thickened, cracked or scaly skin.
- Small bumps that may ooze or form crusts.
Preventing and managing eczema in infants
1. Choose the right detergent:
One of the most effective preventive measures to reduce the risk of eczema in infants is to choose a suitable detergent. Here are a few tips :
- Opt for fragrance-free laundry detergent: Synthetic fragrances are often irritating to babies' sensitive skin. Fragrance-free laundry detergent reduces the risk of skin reactions.
- Avoid harsh chemicals: Bleaches, optical brighteners and other chemicals can cause irritation. Choose a hypoallergenic and gentle detergent.
- Wash new clothes: Before putting them on your baby, wash new clothes to remove chemical residues from the fabrics.
2. Moisturize baby's skin:
Regular use of specific moisturizers for atopic skin can help maintain the skin barrier and prevent eczema flare-ups.
3. Avoid known irritants:
Identify and avoid common irritants and allergens in your baby's environment, such as harsh household cleaning products, rough fabrics, and certain foods .
4. Medical consultations:
If your baby has symptoms of eczema, it is essential to consult a pediatrician or dermatologist. They can prescribe topical treatments or tailored care to manage eczema and prevent secondary infections.
Hosane's commitment to a healthy home
At Hosane, we understand the importance of protecting the health of the whole family, including the little ones. Our cleaning products, including our gentle laundry detergent, are formulated without toxic chemicals, without endocrine disruptors, and without perfume to minimize the risk of irritation and allergies.
We firmly believe that every parent should have access to safe and effective cleaning products to ensure a healthy environment for their children. That's why we are committed to creating skin-friendly and environmentally friendly products, tailored to the needs of modern families.
Conclusion
Eczema in infants is a common but manageable condition. By taking simple preventative measures, such as choosing the right detergent and regularly moisturizing your baby's skin, you can help reduce the risk of eczema flare-ups. At Hosane, we are dedicated to providing safe and effective cleaning solutions to protect the health of your entire family.
To find out more about our products and our commitments, do not hesitate to visit our [website](https://hosane.fr) and consult our blog for additional advice on daily health and well-being .