If you’re a new mum dealing with your baby’s mysterious skin rash, chances are you’ve already been told by well-meaning Yoruba aunties, “Ah! That’s Eela.” It’s one of the first suggestions you’ll hear when your little one starts developing rashes in places like the scalp, behind the ears, on the eyebrows, cheeks, or in those soft neck and chest folds.
But what exactly is Eela? What is Eela in English? How can I cure Eela?
Many Yoruba women do not believe it is a hospital matter. They often recommend herbal baths, palm kernel oil, or traditional leaf preparations passed down from their mothers and grandmothers.
Do these remedies work? Maybe. Maybe not.
That’s where your mama instincts come in.
You’ve already walked a long, beautiful, and sometimes overwhelming nine-month journey. And now you’re on another one—figuring out what’s best for your baby.
It’s okay to ask questions. It’s okay to be cautious. And it’s more than okay to seek understanding before applying anything to your child’s delicate skin. Some herbal remedies, while natural, may not always be safe, especially if used without knowing their effects on a baby’s developing organs, like the kidneys.
I have explained what Eela means from both cultural and medical points of view. This article explores what eela is called in English, how mums have treated it traditionally, and how modern doctors recommend handling it.
What is Yourba Eela in English?
Eela in English is closely related to a condition called Infantile Seborrheic Dermatitis. It is a common, non-contagious skin condition that usually affects babies under six months old. It occurs in the oily areas of the body, such as the scalp (where it’s often called cradle cap), face, and skin folds
If you’re a mum navigating your baby’s first few months, and you’ve been hearing the word “Eela” thrown around by aunties, grandmas, or helpful neighbours, you’re not alone. Eela is one of the most common traditional explanations for certain baby skin conditions in Yoruba communities. Among the Igbo, it’s also called Nla.
In everyday Yoruba conversation, Eela refers to mysterious or stubborn rashes that appear on a baby’s body, usually in places like the scalp, eyebrows, behind the ears, cheeks, neck and chest folds. They’re often attributed to things like heat, internal imbalance, or sensitivity to food or milk
What Does Ela Look Like on a Baby’s Skin?
Eela often appears on your baby’s skin as reddish patches that can develop into small, watery blisters or even tiny scratches due to the baby’s movements. In the early stages, the rash may look like red spots or patches, and in babies with deeper skin tones, these patches might darken to shades of brown or purple as the condition progresses.
One of the most recognisable signs of Eela is its appearance on the scalp, where it takes on the form of thick, crusty, or paste-like dandruff. This is what is medically known as Cradle Cap. The crusty flakes often appear greasy and may seem stuck to the skin, especially on the scalp.
Eela can also show up in the moist skin folds of the baby, such as the neck, behind the ears, armpits, or groin. In these areas, the skin appears red, shiny, and moist, with some mild peeling around the edges.
In more severe cases, Eela may become swollen and develop pus-filled blisters or yellowish crusts, which is a sign that the condition has worsened and may be infected. If the rash begins to spread to other parts of the body or shows signs of infection, it’s essential to seek medical attention.
How to Differentiate Eela from Other Skin Rash Types
To differentiate Eela from other skin conditions, check if your baby’s skin is shiny and moist in appearance. If it is red skin, it’s likely Eela. The skin may also peel slightly around the edges, especially in the skin folds. Unlike other rashes that may appear in a single area, Eela tends to affect multiple folds of the skin at the same time.
If the rash becomes swollen, filled with pus, or spreads beyond its initial location, it’s important to consult a paediatrician for treatment. Early intervention can help prevent complications and ensure proper care for your baby’s sensitive skin.
How to Treat Eela
When it comes to treating Eela, different cultures, like the Yoruba, have their own traditional methods. Their women often recommend using herbs for bathing the affected area, and sometimes even suggest drinking these herbal concoctions. While this may work for some, it’s important to note that these practices may not always be safe for your baby’s delicate system, particularly when it comes to drinking herbal mixtures.
On the other hand, paediatricians offer more reliable and safer treatment methods, focusing on cleanliness and skin protection. They most reliable cure cure for Eela, Ringworm, Eczema, and rash recommended by pediatricians is the Classic Kids care Skin Eruption Set for Babies.
If your newborn is dealing with Eela, here’s a step-by-step guide you can follow to help manage the condition:
Step 1: Keep the Affected Area Dry
Eela thrives in the moist folds of the skin, so the first and most important step is to keep the area dry. After each bath, gently pat the affected skin folds dry with a clean towel.
Avoid rubbing the skin, as this can cause further irritation. Once dry, dress your baby in breathable cotton clothes to allow their skin to breathe.
It’s also important to ensure your baby is in a cool, dry place, as sweat and saliva can create the perfect environment for Eela to spread. Keeping these areas dry helps prevent the rash from worsening.
Step 2: Apply a Soothing Natural Oil or Barrier Cream
We have one of the best Cream to cure eela The Classic Kids Care Eruption Set. The Set clears eela, ringworm, eczema, and all skin irritations between 5 to 14 days
Once the skin is dry, the next step is to apply a soothing natural oil or a barrier cream to help calm the skin and protect it from further irritation.
Common natural oils like Shea butter, coconut oil, or palm oil are often used in traditional remedies for their skin-soothing properties.
If you prefer a more clinical approach, you can use a zinc oxide-based barrier cream, which creates a protective layer over the skin, or a mild antifungal cream if there’s a suspicion of fungal involvement.
Apply a thin layer of the product to the affected areas and avoid over-applying, as this could block pores.
Step 3: Visit a Paediatrician
While most cases of Eela will improve within two to three days with the right care, you should monitor your baby closely. If the rash is spreading quickly, or if you notice any signs of infection, like pus or swelling, it’s important to visit your paediatrician.
There are different types of rashes in babies, and it can be hard to differentiate between them. Even though you may suspect it’s Eela, there could be another skin condition at play.
If the rash worsens or doesn’t show improvement after trying steps 1 and 2, a doctor will be able to provide a proper diagnosis and recommend the right treatment. Don’t wait too long. Early intervention can prevent more serious complications.
How to Prevent Eela in Your Baby.
The most effective way to handle skin issues is to prevent them in the first place. If you’ve ever dealt with rashes on your newborn, you know how uncomfortable it can be.
You’ll want to avoid a recurrence, and here’s how you can prevent it from happening again:
Traditional Remedies:
- Herbal baths using natural ingredients
- Application of soothing natural oils (e.g., Shea butter, coconut oil, palm oil)
- Cooling remedies like herbal teas or cooling oils
Medical Remedies:
- Bathe your baby once a day using lukewarm water and mild, fragrance-free soap
- Clean and pat dry skin folds (neck, armpits, behind ears, groin, thighs)
- Dress the baby in light, breathable cotton clothes
- Let your baby go without clothes for a while (just a diaper or wrapped in light cloth)
- Keep your baby in well-ventilated rooms, and use fans or air conditioners if needed
- Use fragrance-free baby skin care products
- Change clothes or bibs promptly if your baby is sweating or drooling
- Check diapers often and change as soon as they’re wet
- Begin gentle care immediately if you notice signs of heat rash or redness
Complications from Untreated Eela
In addition to the discomfort your baby experiences from skin rashes, untreated Eela can cause significant damage to their skin. Prolonged moisture and friction can lead to peeling, cracking, or raw skin, which is why it’s crucial to pat the area dry and allow the skin to heal properly.
If left untreated, Eela can become infected, resulting in pus, yellow crusts, swelling, and an unpleasant odour, which can spread to other parts of the body. This may escalate into more serious infections like candidal intertrigo or impetigo, which require medical attention. Untreated Eela can also lead to Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation, where the affected skin becomes darker than the surrounding areas, especially in babies with melanated skin.
Eela can also affect your baby’s sleep. The discomfort and itchiness from the rash, especially in areas where the skin presses against surfaces, may make it hard for your baby to settle. By treating Eela effectively, you’ll help your baby sleep better, allowing both of you to get the rest you need.
Babies treating from eela should also see this: What Causes Breast Milk Rash on Baby Face and Solution?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the English word for EELA?
The English word for eela is Infantile seborrheic dermatitis.
Is there a drug for eela?
Eela can be treated at home by ensuring moist skin areas are dry or by applying Classic Kids care Eruption Set on the affected area.
Can I use baby Tribotan for eela?
No, baby Tribotan would not cure eela. Classic Kids care Eruption Set on the affected area.
How long does it take for eela to go?
Most eela skin infections would improve with simple hygiene in four to fourteen days. However, visit your paediatrician if symptoms persist or rash spreads beyond the original area.
Conclusion
Skin rashes come in many forms, and each tribe often gives them a unique name based on years of experience. If your baby has developed Eela, a Yoruba term for a common skin infection, it’s important to seek accurate treatment to prevent further complications.
Explore effective home remedies for treating a new Eela infection, and learn what steps to take if the rash becomes infected. Remember, untreated infections can spread into the bloodstream, leading to serious conditions like Sepsis.
You can place an ordre for an eruption skin set right now. Click here
References
- Ask the Paediatrician – EELA, NLA & Common skin condition in infants
- The Informed Mum: JEDI-JEDI, ELA, NRA OR NLA?
