Eczema is a group of chronic, itchy skin rashes that can develop in infancy and last through adolescence. The most common form of eczema that affects children is called atopic dermatitis. Children with eczema have very dry skin and develop red patches that itch intensely.
What triggers eczema?
As many as 8 percent of all children develop eczema but many show improvement by the time they reach age five1.The exact cause of eczema is unknown, but it appears to be linked to immunological problems. Children with eczema are often predisposed to asthma and allergies. A very small percentage of children may have eczema that is aggravated by certain foods.
When does eczema show up?
Eczema usually is often seen in the first year of life, sometimes later, but generally not later than age five. There is often a family history of eczema, allergies or asthma. Many children have mild cases that can be controlled by using the right type of soap and moisturisers. As children grow, their bodies are better able to handle the eczema and many "grow out" of eczema by adulthood.
There are two forms of atopic dermatitis: infantile eczema and childhood eczema. In infantile eczema, the skin appears red and irritated on the cheeks, forehead, upper arm, abdomen, inner thighs and forearms. Once they become toddlers, children are affected in the areas more typically associated with eczema, including inside the elbows, behind the knees, at the back of the neck and at the wrists and ankles.
Ways to help:
- Keep your child's nails clipped short to avoid scratching and infection.
- Use only water when cleaning red areas. Soap may further dry the skin.
- moisturise the skin after a bath to retain moisture in the skin.
- Bathe your child with tepid, not hot, water.
- Loose, cotton clothing may be most comfortable.
- If you suspect your baby or child has eczema, a pediatrician or health care professional should make the diagnosis and provide ongoing care.
1. Yale-New Haven Children's Hospital. Children’s Skin Care [online]. 2007 [cited 1-10-2007]. Available from: http://www.ynhh.org/pediatrics/prevention/children_skin_care.html#eczema
