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.

In the majority of these cases, the condition resolves by the time they reach two years of age. There are some cases though that do not clear up, even becoming serious enough to continue when they become adults. Almost anyone can be affected by this problem at any time in their life but it is babies that are most likely to suffer. About one-third of all patients develop symptoms before their first birthday, and almost all develop symptoms before five years.

When baby eczema is found it affects their face and head but can also be found on their legs and arms. A lack of moisture within the baby's skin is often thought to be the trigger to atopic eczema, which is often a hereditary condition. Washing powder is also known to trigger attacks but fabric conditioners can also have a similar effect. In some instances it would seem that breastfeeding seems to protect the child from baby eczema as opposed to those mothers who stop this practice prematurely.

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:

* Sea-Food

* Dairy products, especially milk

* Bread

* Food prepared using eggs

* Foods where peanut oil may have been used

Babies naturally have more sensitive skin so treating them requires bathing in lukewarm water and then using hypoallergenic creams, using only fragrance free products. When they are dry, the use of fragrance free products is highly recommended and only natural fabrics like cotton for example. Baby's often scratch themselves so keeping their nails short is the way to prevent inflamed skin becoming infected from scratching. 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. It is not yet possible to completely cure this skin complaint but at least a number of treatments can help ease the situation.