Eczema

Eczema is an allergic skin condition characterized by an itchy, dry, red rash on the face, hands and neck; although it can appear on other areas of the body, especially the creases of the limbs.

Most of the children who suffer from it develop it before the age of five and it can be triggered by environmental (pet dander; laundry detergent; changes in temperature) or dietary allergens (over half of children with eczema get it around the time they’re weaned on to solids. It can also flare up if your child is under stress. It’s common for children who have eczema to also have hay fever, asthma and other allergies.

Treatment

Your pediatrician may suggest a number of ways you can try to tackle your child’s eczema before she tries any medication…

- Ensure his skin doesn’t get any drier by using mild, unscented soap; not letting him sit in the tub for too long; and ensuring his bath water isn’t too hot. After his bath, pat his skin dry (don’t rub) and apply moisturizer (your pediatrician or pharmacist can recommend one).

- When washing his clothes, use mild, hypoallergenic detergents; and avoid dressing him in wool and other coarse fabrics – pure cotton is best.

- Ensure your child drinks plenty of water to keep his skin hydrated.

- Your child’s eczema may become infected if he scratches it, so keep his nails short and take the precaution of putting scratch mitts or socks on your young baby’s hands overnight so he doesn’t scratch in his sleep.

- Ensure your child uses a synthetic fiber pillow and an allergenic mattress cover, since eczema can be aggravated by dust mites.

- If you have a pet, don’t allow it in your child’s room.

If these non-medical measures don’t work your pediatrician may prescribe a steroid cream to sooth inflammation and an antihistamine to ease the itching. If your child’s eczema becomes infected, he may need a course of antibiotics – if you notice a sudden worsening in your child’s eczema or it feels hot to the touch or starts oozing pus, call your pediatrician.

The condition often goes into remission for long periods and may improve once your child is five or six, but it may flare up again when your child is going through puberty.

The information on this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.