Eczema in Children – Inflammatory Skin Conditions

Eczema is a skin condition where the skin gets easily dried up and irritated easily. The skin is also highly vulnerable to allergies. Dry skin patches, flare ups are some of the common symptoms of the disease especially in children.

Eczema in Children – An Overview

Eczema occurs in children with different skin symptoms which range from reddening or wrath of the skin to small fluid filled bumps, that becomes soft and ooze out. One of the common cause of eczema in children is foods that are rich in caesin and glutein content. The kids are also prone to develop hay fever or asthma when they are found to be susceptible to eczema. The signs and symptom varies at early stages of the disease. Itchy, dry, red skin is found in cheeks, forehead or scalp. In some cases, the rash can spread even to hands, legs or even the trunk region. These symptoms, if untreated, tend to get worse over time. Treatment is found effective in controlling eczema in children; however, it is advisable to consult at an earlier stage in order to prevent adverse skin reactions.

Childhood eczema – Prevention Is Better

Although scientists have suspected that childhood eczema can be an inherited skin condition, they can be effectively put under control my decreasing the amount of exposure to the triggers. Certain triggers can make the condition worse, and flare ups could be prevented or avoided by avoiding certain triggers like pollen dust, moulds, dust, animal dander, cold winter air with sparse moisture content, skin from becoming too dry, certain harsh soaps and detergents, fabrics like wool or coarsely woven materials. It is also wise to avoid allergic skin care products, cologne, perfumes, tobacco smoke. Acidic foods like tomato, certain dairy products, are also found to aggravate childhood eczema. Emotional stress, heat, sweat also should be avoided in order to suppress the disease.

Infant Eczema – Diagnosis and Treatment

The doctors will usually examine the location and occurrence of the rash in the body and will also check for the period of existence of the rash. Checking for thickening of the skin from itching or rubbing is one of the effective proofs for the infant eczema. Allergy test like blood test, patch test, scratch, or prick test is also done to confirm the disease. Treatment includes the use of corticosteroid crème or ointments, non-steroid ointments, anti histamines, oral or topical ointments to prevent secondary infection. In severe condition, the older kids are treated with ultraviolet rays, to clear up the area. It is always better avoid extremely hot baths as it tends to dry up the skin fast. Mild soaps or non-soap cleansers are an ideal way to avoid skin reactions.