Infants who develop eczema are prone to a progression known as atopic march. It leads to development of food allergies, hay fever and asthma as the child grows older.

Doctors say that when food particles enter the body through skin rather than digestive system, they are much more likely to cause allergies. The skin forms an important barrier between outside allergens rom entering the body and keeping the moisture in. Patients with eczema lack important proteins and lipids in the outer layer of their skin.

As a result of the defective skin barrier, the water escapes from the skin, drying it out and leading to cracking and itching. Scratching the dry, itchy skin can further damage the skin barrier and activate the immune system.

Experts recommend soak and seal method which involves thoroughly moisturising the skin in a warm bath, then trapping the moisture in with a moisturising ointment. Careful care of baby’s skin right from birth could prevent eczema and other allergic diseases.