Wondering if your baby's skin condition might be eczema? An expert weighs in, and moms share when — and where — eczema first started cropping up on their babies.
As Early as 2 Months
"Eczema can start as early as your baby's second month. Symptoms can be mild and barely noticeable, or itchy and intense. Skin will appear dry, tender, red, scaly, and cracked. Skin can also have patches of red areas or light areas. Some of these symptoms can indicate other problems such as diaper rash, so it's best to talk to a medical professional before treating the skin problem. If it does turn out to be eczema, opt for fragrance-free products and look out for the seal of acceptance from the National Eczema Association (NEA). If it doesn't resolve within two weeks, seek the counsel of a medical professional for further guidance and management." — Dendy Engelman, MD, Manhattan Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery, New York, NY
My Oldest Was 6 Months Old
"My baby first started showing symptoms when the weather turned colder."
Around 3 Months
"My son started showing signs of eczema at 3 months old. First, he started scratching his stomach and legs — now the patches are coming out under his neck and under his arm."
At 2 Months
"When my baby was about 2 months old, what appeared at first to be baby acne started out on his face and moved down to just his elbows and joints. Turned out, it was eczema."
Almost 4 Months
"At 4 months, the doctors told me then he might grow out of it, but he is almost 4 years old and still has eczema. It's always worse in the winter months."
Right From the Start
"As soon as my son was born, his skin was extremely dry. I knew there was something wrong. However, he wasn't officially diagnosed with eczema until he was 3 months old."
It's Different With Every Child
"My oldest was 2 and a half (only one small patch on his tush), my second was 18 months (on the back of the neck, front of elbows and feet, and backs of the knees), and my youngest who's 6 weeks has it the worst (over his whole body except the diaper region)!"
*Disclaimer: The advice on CafeMom.com is not a substitute for consultation with a medical professional or treatment for a specific condition. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem without consulting a qualified professional. Please contact your health-care provider with questions and concerns.
