Eczema in Children - What Parents Need to Know
Medically Known as Atopic Dermatitis; Commonly Called "Dry Skin"
Aug 22, 2009
Eczema is the most common chronic relapsing disease young children. It is characterised by dry and itchy skin patches.
Generally, there is a strong family history associated with eczema. In more than 90 percent of cases, it starts before five years of age.
In infantile eczema, the face, arms and legs are usually affected. If it continues into toddlerhood, the neck, front of elbows and area behind knees, get involved. Sometimes the dry skin patches can also be very localised such as on palms, soles or on limbs. There is also a variety known as Nummular eczema which appears as round itchy patches over arms or legs. This may be hard to differentiate from fungal skin infection at times.
Here are Certain Important Points for Parents to Note
- If your child's eczema starts before nine months of age, there is a high possibility that he/she may have certain food allergies ( particularly milk - as it the main allergen an infant is exposed to). It would therefore be worthwhile to see a Pediatric allergist to rule out food allergies. Your allergist may choose to test blood or do skin prick test to confirm the above.
- If these dry skin pacthes ooze fluid or get covered by a honey-colored crust, it means that they have become infected by bacteria. This happens when bacteria from the child's hands or nails get in through the broken skin while itching. In these situations, you must see your doctor soon for antibiotic treatment.The antibiotic prescribed may be an ointment for local application if the area affected is small or it may be a course of oral antibiotics.
- Children with eczema can get sensitised to aeroallergens such as Dust mite/ pollens, etc., through non-intact skin. This can put them at risk for nasal allergies and/ or asthma in later life. Therefore, it is recommended that inflamed skin be treated promptly always!
Suggestions to Help Make Your Child More Comfortable
- Use only cotton fabrics - well rinsed with a hypoallergenic detergent.
- Pat skin dry after bath. Do not rub it dry. this will help to retain some moisture on the skin surface.
- Do not hesitate to use Steroid ointments prescribed by your doctor during flare-ups. This is the main medicine to take away inflammation and heal quickly. Try to use the lowest potency possible for optimum relief.
- Avoid known offending agents.
- Encourage child to drink plenty of water. By doing this, the water lost through his/her skin is replaced and child will feel overall better.
- Address underlying emotional issues as appropriate because these can also cause flare-ups.
With appropriate care and follow-up, this condition can be managed fairly easily and usually improves with each passing year. Do not despair!
The copyright of the article Eczema in Children - What Parents Need to Know in Allergies is owned by Meenakshi Krishnan. Permission to republish Eczema in Children - What Parents Need to Know in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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