Although a great deal of research has failed to discover the reason why eczema affects some people and not others it is clear that the immune system is involved. This skin complaint is usually triggered by an adverse reaction to a substance, foodstuff or chemical etc. Baby eczema is first noticed as a reddish scaly rash on the baby's face which gradually worsens to the point where it becomes irritated and cracked. In babies, the disorder unfortunately affects between ten and twenty percent of all infants in the United States.

Strangely, this condition is short lived and in most cases it seems to cure itself before the child reaches the age of two. Unfortunately in a few children do not get over this problem and continue to suffer with it when they are adults. Although this skin disorder can affect someone at any stage in their life, it is most prevalent in infants. As many as a third of all sufferers developed the condition before they were twelve months old; however, almost all contracted it before they were five.

Seen as a red, itchy and scaly rash, baby eczema is usually of the more common atopic eczema variety. Atopic eczema often runs in families, and can be triggered when a baby's skin isn't moisturized properly. A baby's skin is much more sensitive and it is not uncommon for washing powders and softeners to trigger an attack. Some recent research has indicated that baby eczema may caused by babies that are weaned early so breastfeeding for a longer period be beneficial.

Other links have been found to a number of medical conditions including those of a respiratory nature. Mothers who have asthma are also more likely to have a baby that has the condition but allergic rhinitis and food allergies can also play a part. The number of childhood cases where food is responsible for the condition is considerable at almost 30 percent; however, once the food responsible is discovered, it can be taken out of the child's diet. However simple this actually is, belies the time it might take to find the food group by trial and error; some of these groups are mentioned below:

* Fish from either freshwater or the sea * Products with milk as an ingredient * Bread * Products containing eggs * Any meals or candy etc. that contain peanuts

The treatment with babies involves bathing in lukewarm water, and proper skin lubrication with hypoallergenic creams. Once out of the bath they need to be dried off carefully and then clothed in a soft natural cotton fabric which should prevent irritation. The best way to stop a baby scratching and causing further infection is to keep their nails short and make sure they wear mittens. Often in more severe cases of baby eczema, a pediatrician may prescribe antihistamines to relieve itching; steroid creams can also be used for a short period to help heal the skin. Conquering this condition is proving to be complicated but at least some relief is obtainable from the products we have to hand right now.