Information on the causes and symptoms of baby and childhood eczema
Eczema pictures of six year old.
The most common form of childhood eczema is
atropic dermatitis which affects
as many as 15-20% of young children. It is often linked with asthma
and hayfever and may be genetic.
Eczema Symptoms
The symptoms of eczema are a dry, red, itchy patches on the skin
that can become infected if they are constantly scratched. The skin
may thicken if the eczema persists.
Eczema on young babies often first appears on the cheeks and then
spreads to knees and elbows. As children get older it develops on
the inside creases of knees, elbows and around the neck. The eczema
has periods when it flares up and then dies down again. Most
children grow out of eczema by the time that they reach puberty but
it is a distressing and uncomfortable ailment that requires advice
from your physician.
Causes of Eczema
There are a number of factors that may cause eczema to develop.
Most experts believe that it is hereditary and can be triggered by
a number of things, overheating, a very dry atmosphere, smoking,
dust, intolerance of certain foods, for example dairy or wheat
products, even stress can trigger eczema.
Other Forms of Eczema.
There are a number of forms of eczema as well as atropic dermatitis,
the two most likely to be seen are allergic contact dermatitis and
irritant contact dermatitis.
Allergic contact dermatitis is caused by reaction to a substance
in contact with the skin. Many adults develop this form when
wearing cheap jewellery.
Irritant contact dermatitis is a reaction to chemicals, for example,
soap detergents. If your child develops an itching dry patch, it is
worth changing brands to see if there is an improvement.
Eczema is very irritating, the itching can become almost unbearable
and it is very hard to prevent a young child from scratching.
Keep their fingernails short and at night time ensure that they are
not overheating. If you can persuade them to keep mittens on this
may help prevent scratching.
Clothes against the skin should be made of a soft, smooth
material such as cotton rather than wool.
If your child does develop eczema you should visit your physican
to confirm that it is not another skin disorder. Mild attacks of
eczema may only need taking care of the sensitive skin, but if your
child has a serious flare-up the doctor may prescribe medication
or refer him to a dermatologist. There is no cure for eczema but
with care it is possible to control it.
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