Eczema on infants face

[McRusell]

My 5 month old baby has had a horrible red rash on his cheeks and chin for a few weeks now.  My derm is telling me it's eczema and to apply desonide ointment to it.  My problem is my baby rubs his eyes, cheeks and mouth while he sleeps.  We put socks on his hands but he is CONSTANTLY rubbing.  I know if if I apply desonide to his cheeks as the derm. tells me to that he WILL get it in his eyes and mouth.  They tell me it's safe.  Can someone please reassure me that this is safe.  From what I'm reading it worries me but the professionals tell me otherwise. Please help.  I want my baby to get a good nights sleep and stop itching.

[Chakravarthy Mazumdar, MBBS]

Hi,

Thanks for query,

Apply cream, nothing to worry, apply in such a way that after application there should not have any residue remaining. Avoid application at night,

Hope this answers your query.

Take care

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Desonide is a low potent steroid cream and is good for eczema. However it is not advisable to use too much of steroid creams as it has plenty of side effects like skin atrophy, skin thinning, telangiectasia, steroid induced rosacea or redness. Use it only as per the prescription and have regular follow ups with your child’s doctor.
Also the best treatment of eczema is use of moisturizers which should be applied in a thin layer on the eczematous patch.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.