Atopic Dermatitis Of The Newborn, Basic Care
Atopic dermatitis of the newborn is one of the most frequent skin disorders in the first months of life. Being a chronic disease, the treatments consist of a series of prevention measures and remedies to calm the symptoms.
An early diagnosis of atopic dermatitis in the newborn will also be useful for parents to develop all the strategies necessary to reduce the symptoms and discomfort that this disorder causes.
Atopic dermatitis of the newborn: what is it?
The stages of human development that affect the child are infancy, childhood and adolescence. Within the stage of infancy we find the definition of infant, which indicates the phase between 20 days and the first 6 months of life.
Atopic dermatitis of the newborn usually appears between the third and fifth month of life. This is the phase in which skin lesions become more frequent. These lesions usually occur in the form of outbreaks lasting about six weeks, although they can also appear continuously.
It is an inflammatory disease that among the main symptoms is dry skin, often accompanied by intense itching.
It is generally active up to two years, after which it disappears spontaneously or becomes chronic. It is a childhood disease and has a hereditary component. For this reason, family history is a factor to consider.
Read also: Rashes in newborns: how to fight them?
When to consult your pediatrician
Atopic dermatitis of the newborn has no specific features. It varies based on the individual. It is therefore complex to distinguish it from other forms of dermatitis. Only the pediatrician can diagnose atopic dermatitis after evaluating the baby’s signs and symptoms.
It is advisable to consult the pediatrician if some of the following manifestations appear in the infant:
- Non-specific lesions on the skin, particularly in the face area and in the folds of the elbow and knee.
- Episodic or recurrent presence of lesions.
- Frequent crying, often associated with itching in the affected areas.
First signs of the appearance of atopic dermatitis of the newborn
Atopic dermatitis can appear in different forms. The most common are those that we expose below.
The lesions usually occur on the cheeks, forehead, ears, and scalp. From the facial region, they can then extend to the rest of the body. This is usually itchy eczema which often has some degree of exudation.
This skin disease can also be accompanied by sensitivity to egg white. For this reason, if it has been diagnosed, it is necessary to carry out a sensitization test for the said food.
Prevention of atopic dermatitis in the newborn
For the treatment of atopic dermatitis in the newborn, a good health education of family members is recommended regarding specific precautions:
- Wash your baby’s clothes with mild detergents and avoid fabric softener.
- Avoid heat, especially hot air. For this purpose, wool and synthetic fabrics and some fibers that promote sweating and, with it, the appearance of lesions must be eliminated. For this reason, the use of cotton clothing is recommended.
- Environmental humidifiers, especially in locations with low humidity levels.
- The child’s hygiene should include short baths or showers, no more than 2-3 times a week, since excess water and exposure to gels favor the appearance of lesions. It is recommended to use acidic or oat-based gels.
- Apply an emollient cream on the skin several times a day, with a light massage in order to favor its correct absorption.
Pharmacological treatment
In some cases, the symptoms of atopic dermatitis in the newborn may require drug treatment and monitoring by the doctor to avoid further complications:
- In the presence of outbreaks, it is necessary to consult the pediatrician to define the topical anti-inflammatory treatment. The emollient creams used in the prevention phase will be eliminated.
- Avoid the appearance of skin infections. They are usually due to the scratching caused by the baby in an attempt to relieve the itch. In this case it is essential to maintain adequate hygiene. If infection is suspected, the pediatrician may prescribe topical or systemic antibiotics.
- Topical corticosteroids are among the medications most recommended by pediatricians for the treatment of this disease. Correct use of this treatment should not cause concern, as moreover, it has obvious benefits for children affected by the disease.
