Several types of dermatitis exist, including contact dermatitis, eczema, and seborrhoeic dermatitis. Some dermatitises do not usually affect certain age groups, but the three types previously mentioned are known to affect infants and children. The underlying cause of eczema is unknown, though having dry skin can aggravate the problem. Contact dermatitis in children presents itself when the child touches something he or she is allergic to, or if the child comes in contact with irritants such as household chemicals. Lastly, the cause of seborrhoeic dermatitis is also unknown, but stress, vitamin intake, and a natural yeast are believed to play an important role in either the cause or flare-ups.
Researchers have found no definite cause of eczema, but some believe it is caused by growing up in an unusually clean environment. These researchers think that the lack of bacteria during development increases a child’s risk of developing eczema or asthma. Hypotheses aside, eczema is aggravated by dryness of the skin, so regular baths and moisturizing creams can sometimes help prevent flare-ups. The avoidance of harsh soaps and detergents is important, but the terms "hypoallergenic" and "doctor tested" are generally not regulated. Basically, this means any soap or detergent manufacturer can claim their product is more gentle on the skin, even though this may not be the case.
Contact dermatitis is a term used to describe a skin reaction that is caused by physically coming into contact with an irritant. Two examples of allergens or irritants that may result in contact dermatitis are poison ivy and harsh cleaning products — though there are, in fact, many possibilities for this kind of dermatitis in children. The physical manifestation of this condition is typically a rash on the skin that both burns and itches. To avoid contact dermatitis in children, it is generally advisable to help them avoid possible irritants and allergens. Typical treatments include thorough washing, antihistamines, and other anti-itch measures.
Seborrhoeic dermatitis can occur in infants, but usually only when the child is three months old or younger. It typically appears as a yellow crust along the hair line accompanied by a diaper rash. The exact cause is unknown, but researchers believe that excessive vitamin A and an overgrowth of a natural yeast are at the heart of the problem. This yeast is called malassezia, and it grows more rapidly when the infant consumes saturated fat. Stress and an overall decrease in health is also widely believed to contribute to this type of dermatitis in children.