Is your baby having a dry, itchy, and inflamed skin? They could be suffering from eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis. This is a chronic skin condition affecting up to 20 percent of children worldwide. The most common place where symptoms of eczema will manifest is on the face.
Eczema can present in different ways, but common symptoms include; dry, itchy skin which is the most common symptom. The skin may also be red, cracked, and scaly. Eczema presents as rashes that can appear anywhere on the body, but they are most common on the face, scalp, hands, and feet. In some cases, eczema can cause blisters on the skin, which may break open and ooze fluid. Over time, eczema can cause the skin to thicken and become leathery.
The exact cause of eczema is unknown, but it is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Children with eczema often have a family history of the condition. Other possible triggers can be dry skin, allergens, such as pollen, dust mites, and pet dander, irritants such as harsh soaps, detergents, and perfumes, infections and stress.
There are different kinds of eczema with the common being atopic dermatitis. Others include contact dermatitis which is caused by direct contact with an allergen or irritant. Dyshidrotic eczema causes small, itchy blisters on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. Nummular eczema causes round or oval-shaped patches of itchy skin and seborrheic dermatitis causes red, scaly patches of skin on the scalp, face, and upper body.
Eczema can affect any part of the body, but it is most common on the face, scalp, hands, and feet. In infants, eczema often appears on the cheeks, forehead, and scalp. In older children, eczema is more likely to appear on the insides of the elbows and backs of the knees.
Which doctor treats Eczemas?
Your baby’s paediatrician can diagnose and treat eczema. If your baby has recurring or severe symptoms, their paediatrician might recommend visiting a dermatologist who is a skin care specialist.
Managing childhood eczema
There is no cure for eczema, but there are treatments that can help to manage the symptoms and prevent flare-ups. Treatment for childhood eczema may include:
Moisturizers: Moisturising the skin regularly is one of the most important things that parents can do to help their children with eczema. Moisturisers help to keep the skin hydrated and reduce itching.
Medications: There are a variety of medications that can be used to treat eczema, including topical corticosteroids, oral antihistamines, and biologic medications. The type of medication that is prescribed will depend on the severity of the eczema and the child's individual needs.
Lifestyle changes: There are a number of lifestyle changes that can help to reduce the risk of eczema flare-ups. These include avoiding triggers, bathing regularly in warm water, and using mild soaps and detergents.
How then should parents care for their children at home to prevent them from suffering the problem?
There are a number of things that parents can do at home to help prevent eczema flare-ups in their children.
These include; bathing regularly in warm water, using mild soaps and cleansers, avoiding triggers, such as allergens and irritants, moisturising the skin regularly with the right moisturiser, keeping the fingernails short to prevent scratching, avoiding scrubbing and rubbing of skin while bathing, wear pure cotton clothing, preferably long sleeves and long trousers.
Dr Meichi Quek is a paediatric dermatologist at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi.
