Your Childrens Health

Eczema, often called dermatitis, is a common, non-contagious skin condition that can occur in any family. It is not known exactly what causes eczema, however, eczema is most common in families where allergies, hayfever and asthma are also present. Symptoms include dry itchy red skin, which if not properly treated, can become infected. This leads to inflamed, red, cracked, and sometimes oozing skin. In babies, the delicate skin of the face is especially vulnerable to eczema. Common areas of occurance for toddlers is the front of knees and ankles, as well as the inside of the wrists. Most eczema in older children develops on the back of the knees and elbows.
Because eczema can last for many years, it is very important to keep children’s skin moisturized in order to avoid the symptoms of eczema. Since there is currently no cure for the condition, prevention is the key. If you avoid dryness, you also avoid itching, which leads to inflammation. There are many inexpensive brands of moisturizers that can be used to keep children’s skin eczema-free. Ask the pharmacist which brand is best for your child. It is also to important to keep skin protected from the harsh elements of winter, as the cold weather tends to aggravate eczema. In addition, avoid the following: wearing irritating clothing like wool, using perfumed products like scented laundry detergent, giving your child bubble baths, using drying soaps, swimming in chlorinated pools, and breathing dry air (air conditioning).
If eczema develops, bring your child to a doctor to be properly diagnosed. The doctor will probably recommend special treatment for your child’s skin, which may include:

• The prescription of steroid creams and moisturizers to be applied on the skin;
• An antibiotic ointment if infection is present;
• An antihistamine to reduce itchiness
• Daily bathing in luke-warm water for a maximum of 10-15 minutes, followed by “patting dry” the skin and immediate application of prescribed ointments;
• A follow up appointment with the doctor.

Sometimes eczema will improve as your child grows older, but it has been known to last a lifetime. Prevention is just as important as the treatment, and children whose skin is prone to eczema should be monitored closely.

Related:

This entry was posted on Tuesday, March 7th, 2006 at 6:41 pm and is filed under Allergies. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.