see also Eczema, Eczema in Children
Common during first 3 months of life, affecting scalp, face, neck, armpits, or nappy area; scurfy patches on scalp are known as 'cradle cap'; these may become yellow and soggy-looking, and extend to eyebrows and ears; on face and elsewhere condition causes red blotches and pimples which become angry-looking when baby cries or gets hot; cause is not known, but condition is occasionally triggered off by Nappy Rash (whereas nappy rash is confined to nappy area, eczema may involve abdomen and thighs as well). Severe seborrhoeic eczema can lead to infantile eczema (see Eczema, Eczema in Children), but most cases heal of their own accord.
If homeopathic remedies and self-help measures given below produce no improvement within 3 weeks, see your homeopath. Antibiotics and steroids should be avoided unless general health is suffering, and then only used for as short a time as possible.
Specific remedies to be given every 4 hours for up to 14 days
- Affected areas of skin weepy, encrusted, and easily become infected Graphites 6c
- Eczema mainly affects scalp and face, lesions thickly encrusted, swollen glands Viola 6c
- Skin dry and scaly, but not infected, Calendula ointment seems to have no effect Lycopodium 6c
- Scabby patches on scalp which ooze and mat hair together Vinca 6c
Self-help: Keep affected areas clean with regular washing and thorough drying. After washing, apply Calendula ointment. Gently rub skin with olive oil to loosen scales before washing. |
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