This common skin condition is also known as atopic dermatitis.
Atopic or allergic conditions like asthma, allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, and this type of eczema tend to run in families. When the skin is affected, your child’s skin will be very itchy. The itch may interfere with the child’s sleep causing them to be irritable and tired.
The child’s skin may therefore have scratch marks. It will be dry even between attacks of eczema. During eczema attacks, their skin appears red, with blisters, weeping, scales, or thickening.
This condition is not infectious.
A dermatologist can identify atopic eczema and put your child on treatment. Blood and skin tests are not always necessary.
Most children outgrow atopic eczema in a similar way to how they outgrow other allergic diseases. It cannot be cured but it can be treated. Children with eczema can live a normal life.
To prevent frequent eczema flares (attacks), you can modify the child’s environment in the following ways:
- Soap substitutes are preferred to true soap to prevent excessive skin dryness. Avoid fragrance in these products.
- Moisturizers should be applied frequently to the skin. Your dermatologist will recommend the best moisturizer for your child’s skin. Avoid fragrance in moisturizer.
- Bath time should be limited to 5 to 7 minutes preferably with lukewarm water.
- If your child enjoys swimming, they should shower with fresh water after the swim and apply plenty of moisturizer.
- Dust mites and pollen both inside and outside the home can make eczema worse. Dust mites may be found in pet fur, grass, carpets, and bedding.
- Fragrance in clothing should be avoided. Double rinses for clothes, bedding, towels, and avoiding fabric softeners are recommended.
- Clothing in contact with the child’s skin should be made of more breathable natural fabrics such as cotton. Wool should be avoided.
- Food allergies in atopic eczema are rare. Only avoid foods as directed by your healthcare provider to prevent malnutrition in the child.
Antibiotics, steroids, antihistamines, and other treatments should only be used under prescription and for the recommended period.
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