What could be making my baby's skin so dry and so itchy?

Atopic dermatitis: Atopic eczema usually occurs in people who have an 'atopic tendency'. This means they may develop any or all of three closely linked conditions; atopic eczema, asthma and hay fever (allergic rhinitis). Often these conditions run within families with a parent, child or sibling also affected. A family history of asthma, eczema or hay fever is particularly useful in diagnosing atopic eczema in infant.