Page 45 - Mother & Baby - UK (March 2020)
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Baby&Toddler
One of the ways you can help increase your cases there is also a genetic link. ‘In the last
child’s chances of outgrowing eczema is to 10 years we have discovered a gene called
get it under control now. filaggrin that is deficient in half of people
with moderate to severe eczema,’ says Jess. ‘In
WHAT CAUSES ECZEMA? this group, eczema is certainly hereditary, and
When you first hold your baby, you feel just generally an eczema tendency does run in
how delicate he, and his skin, are. ‘A newborn families but there are always exceptions.’
baby’s skin is especially vulnerable in the MEET THE
first two weeks while he becomes accustomed EXPERT BUILD A BARRIER
to life outside the womb,’ says Jess. ‘The Research has shown that children with the
function of skin as a barrier is reduced Dr Jess Felton poorest skin barrier are at an increased risk
in early infancy.’ This means it’s more is a paediatric of developing eczema, so the priority for any
susceptible to environmental triggers, such dermatologist at the parent, whether your baby is already showing
as dust mites, pollen, furry pets, and cold Nuffield Hospital and signs of eczema or not, is to build the barrier
winter weather. He’s also at risk from the expert for Oilatum and prevent allergens penetrating baby’s
likes of viral infections, teething and stress, skin. While maintaining and protecting your
which can all cause flare-ups. baby’s skin barrier can help prevent eczema
‘These can cause skin to look dry, red flare-ups, it could also have more far-reaching
and inflamed, and it’s most likely to be itchy,’ effects. Studies have shown that infants
says Dr Jennifer Crawley, who leads the who develop eczema are more likely to
dermatology service at University College develop food allergies, asthma and hayfever
Hospital and works with Childs Farm. ‘It’s as they get older a development that’s
commonly found in the creases behind the known as the atopic march.
knees, elbows, and on the neck and face.’ ‘Cracks in the skin of those with eczema
While environmental factors and allergens often set off a chain of allergic diseases that
can contribute to eczema developing, in some develop over several years,’ says Dr Donald
Try this!
Slather on Childs Farmbaby
moisturiser (£4.50, childsfarm.
om). ‘This award-winningproduct
has been dubbed by parentsasa
miracle cream for sensitiveskinand
those prone to eczema,’says
Jennifer. For a fragrance-free
moisturiser, try ChildsFarm
moisturiser unfragranced(£2),
which is suitablefor
newborns.
mothe ra ndbaby.co.uk | March 2 0 2 0 | 4 3
