What can help eczema in tiny babies?
Eczema is a skin condition characterised by patches of sore, irritated, red and itchy skin. Conventional treatment for eczema is based on the use of steroid (e.g. hydrocortisone) creams which help to dampen the inflammation characteristic of this condition. The main problem with steroid creams is that they can damage and thin the skin in the long term. In young children, eczema is almost always related to food sensitivity. Probably the worst offender in this respect is cow’s milk. If your granddaughter is on a regular cow’s milk-based formula feed, then changing this may help. A goat’s milk-based formula (available from health food stores) is an option. Also, there do exist formulas which are based on cow’s milk which have been treated to make it more digestible and less likely to provoke a reaction. These formulas, known as ‘hydrolysates’, can be discussed with the child’s doctor. In breast-fed children it is often the case that sensitivities can develop to food items in the breast mi
