The skin of an infant is much thinner and more tender than an adult, and most importantly - it has almost no protection. That's why any, even seemingly insignificant effects can cause dermatitis in infants. The cause of dermatitis in the baby can be the lack (or lack) of the hydrolyside mantle and the genetic predisposition to allergies.
The skin of a newborn baby is sterile and not immediately populated with beneficial bacteria, which in the future will protect the skin from various adverse effects. Next, we will look at the types of dermatitis in newborns, and also get acquainted with the peculiarities of their treatment.
There are several types of dermatitis that can occur in infants.
Symptoms and treatment of seborrheic dermatitis in infants
Seborrheic dermatitis in the baby develops usually on the 2-3 week of life with a predominant localization on the scalp. Changes on the skin look like fatty yellow crusts or scales. Such skin changes can appear in the area of the auricle, sternum, neck, in the armpits, in the skin folds. The cause of seborrheic dermatitis in a baby is the ingress of a malignant fungus Malassezia furfur onto the skin.
Treatment of such dermatitis consists in removing scales and crusts, as well as washing the head with a special anti-fungicidal shampoo Nizoral. After washing and removing the crusts, the head is dried and treated with special agents (Friederm zinc, Bioderma).
Signs and treatment of diaper dermatitis in newborns
Diaper dermatitis is the result of prolonged contact of the baby's skin with urine and feces as a result of prolonged wearing of the diaper, the use of too large or small diapers, a rare erosion of the baby. Typical places for the appearance of diaper dermatitis are the buttocks, the perineal and genital area, the inner side of the thighs.
The method of combating such dermatitis is adequate adequate skin care for the child: timely change of diapers, washing the child with hypoallergenic soap and the use of special creams (Sudokrem, Bubchen, Bepanten).
Manifestation and treatment of atopic (allergic) dermatitis in infants
The main cause of this dermatitis is a hereditary predisposition to allergies. There is an allergic dermatitis in children in the form of redness and dryness of the skin on the face, neck, elbows, popliteal and inguinal folds. The described skin manifestations are accompanied by an itch of varying intensity. On the altered surface of the skin, cracks and bubbles may appear with a clear liquid inside.
If any signs of an allergic dermatitis are found, you should consult a doctor. Treatment in children begins with the removal of all possible allergens (food, dust, pets). From drugs use creams and ointments with glucocorticoids (Lokoid, Advantan) and antihistamines.
Contact dermatitis - symptoms and treatment
Contact dermatitis occurs in the child in places where the tissue is tight against the skin, and when moving leads to friction. Treatment of such dermatitis is the rejection of tight clothing and small diapers.
Thus, the treatment of dermatitis in infants depends on its cause. To find out the cause of dermatitis, you should consult a doctor and undergo a qualified examination.