Twenty percent of infants suffer from a skin condition called eczema a condition that should not be confused with cradle cap.
"Cradle cap is called soboric dermatitis that is complete different condition that is temporary and is not long lasting. It is much easier to treat. It appears as yellowish type scales on the surface of the scalp and occasionally can spread on the face but generally doesn't spread extensively on the body," said Doctor Paul Rappaport, a dermatologist.
Eczema affects 20 percent of infants. It's a chronic condition.
"It usually it begins with first six months of life with itchiness, then from chronic itchy to scratchy dry patches develop, sometimes starting as weeping. In infancy it usually starts on the face and scalp and then as the infants begin to crawl and there is contact with irritants in the environment like wool carpeting, then it can spread on the arms and legs," Rappaport said.
It is hereditary and is often associated with a family history of asthma or allergies.
Twenty percent of infants suffer from a skin condition called eczema a condition that should not be confused with cradle cap.
"Soap and water are the worst irritants. So it important to moisturize the skin, especially after bathing. Contact with wool can cause itchiness and can make it worse," the doctor said.
Cigarette smoke and perfumes and dust mites also make it worse.
"There are things like soaps and perfumes that make it worse. Dust mites seem to flare it up and any kind of excess bacteria make it worse," Rappaport said.
Cigarette smoke can make it worse. And if your child is a sloppy eater, take note.
“Any kind of food tends to be irritating, especially things that are acidic. Saliva is irritating and some children are allergic to milk, eggs and soy and those need to be restricted in ten to fifteen percent of infants," said Rappaport.
To reduce flare ups, use hypo-allergenic moisturizers that are free of preservatives or fragrances well as soap free cleansers. For server case topical cortisone cream can be used.
According to Dr. Rappaport, if your infant does have eczema, certain precautions need to be followed, one in particular, they need to avoid anyone who has active viral infections.
"It is important to avoid contact with anyone who has herpes simplex virus or cold sores or fever blisters because for a child with eczema it can cause the virus to spread all over the body and could be severe, could require hospitalization,” said Rappaport.