Question

My baby just turned a month old, and there are many red spots with whiteheads on the forehead, and some on the cheeks as well; people say it’s eczema, due to overheating; I bought medicine for the child. Now I want to ask if the baby can wash their face with water? How should I handle it best?

Answer

Eczema can sometimes be dry, characterized by small bumps with a thin layer of grayish dandruff shedding off. It can also be seborrheic, with yellowish fatty liquid oozing out of small papules, eventually forming scabs. It commonly appears on the top of the head, eyebrows, nose, and behind the ears, but itching is usually not severe. When caring for a baby with eczema, pay attention to the following points: try to find allergens, but it is often difficult. Avoid contacting the skin with irritating substances. Do not use alkaline soap or too much hot water to clean the affected areas. Do not use cosmetics or any oil. Keep the room temperature moderate; otherwise, it may worsen the itching of the eczema. The clothes should be loose-fitting and preferably made of cotton.