Eczema in Infants and Children

Eczema in a baby is usually not treated, as it normally resolves itself. With all skin conditions, it is important to seek the advice of a dermatologist skilled in eczema and psoriasis treatment.

Eczema in a baby, or infantile seborrhoeic eczema is also called cradle cap. It is common in infants under one year of age. It appears on the scalp as a rash or series of white bumps. Eczema in an infant does not appear to cause discomfort.

Types of eczema for infants and children

• Infantile eczema symptoms will usually fade within a month or two. Moisturizers can speed recovery of baby eczema, and dietary changes are sometimes beneficial.
• Eczema herpeticum is potentially fatal disease in which herpes infects an existing eczema outbreak. It is particularly dangerous to infants. If symptoms include fever and painful, blood-filled lesions with a punched-out appearance, see a dermatologist immediately. Treatment is usually with acyclovir, an anti-herpes drug.