Eczema is  a chronic skin disease. It causes dry, red itchy skin. It is also known as atopic dermatitis or AD.  This is the most common skin problem treated by pediatric dermatologist. About 65% of patients develop the rush before age 1 and about 90%  of them develop the symptoms before age 5. Most babies outgrow eczema by age 4. Some children outgrow this condition by the time they are young adults even though their skin remain dry and sensitive. Very few people have the condition all their lives , however there are ways to relief the symptoms.

Eczema runs in families with the history of eczema or other allergic conditions such as hay fever and asthma. It is not a contagious skin condition .

What are the symptoms of eczema ?

Symptoms come and go because eczema is a chronic skin condition. There are times when symptoms gets worse  and other times when the skin clears up. Symptoms may vary from child to child. However some common symptoms include dry , red itchy skin and rash. The rash can ooze or be very dry.

This condition can appear on any part of the body or in just a few areas :

babies : the rash usually appear on the face and scalp

in younger children :  the rash usually appears in the fold of the elbow and knees

in teens and young adults : the rash often appears on the hand and feet.

How to prevent eczema flareups

It is important to prevent eczema flareups before they happen.

Keep your child’s skin moisturized : You should moisturize your child’s skin daily.

• use fragrance free moisturizers.  Cream or ointment is better than lotion
• after bath, pat the skin dry and then apply moisturizer on the damp skin
• apply moisturizer at least once a day or more if need be. Apply moisturizer to the face and entire body

Avoid irritants : If you are sensitive to scratchy fabrics or chemicals in soaps and detergents  do the following :

• use mild fragrance free body  cleansers
• wear fabrics such as 100% cotton clothing
• take short bath with room temperature water
• dont use fabric softners in the dryer
• use mild laundry detergents with no dyes or perfumes

It important not to scratch : You have to tell  your child not to scratch. It makes the condition worse or leads to infection. The more the child scratches , the  more itchy the area will be. You should keep the child’s finger nails short and smooth. Try to distract the child from scratching.

Check if allergies is the cause  : Ask  your child’s doctor if allergies could be the cause of your child’s eczema. In some cases , allergies such as pollens,foods, pets or dust mites can trigger or make it worse. If allergies are the cause, you have to avoid allergens as much as possible.

You also have to know other things that triggers flareups such as overheating, stress and sweating.

How is eczema treated ?

The treatment option will depend on severity and where it appears on the body. Eczema medication can be given in two ways

• topical application which is applied on the skin. These include creams and ointment
• oral route which is taken by mouth . It is available in a pill or liquid form.

Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about giving any medication to your child.

Over the counter medication

• topical steroids (hydrocortisone creams or ointments) : These may help relive itchy skin and decrease inflammation. This works best for mild forms
• steroid free topical itch relief :may give fast relief to dry , itchy skin with few side effects . Some of these medications contain alcohol which may cause a burning sensation
• oral antihistamine : may help relief itch especially the ones that makes people sleepy

Prescription medication :

• topical steroids : used to reduce inflammation and stop the itch . They  are the oldest and most commonly used eczema medication. They are safe and effective when used as direction. Side effects may include :
  • thinking of skin
  • stretch marks
  • acne may occur when not used as directed
• topical immunomodulators ( steroid free medications) : used to reduce the inflammation and stop the itch.
• oral antihistamines : may be more effective in certain children
• oral antibiotics : may be prescribed if secondary infection is present
• oral steroids : This is rarely used especially for little children because of the many health risks. Patients usually have flare ups after they stop using the medication.

If your child’s eczema is not improving, talk to your pediatrician.