For countless parents, eczema is not just a word from a medical textbook; it’s a daily reality. Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, can be a pesky visitor or a persistent houseguest, and when our little ones are affected, the mission to manage it becomes paramount.
Here’s everything you need to know about eczema in children, from understanding the condition to exploring treatment options to best support your child’s well-being.
What Is Eczema, and What Causes It?
Eczema is a chronic and very common inflammatory skin condition characterized by red, itchy, and scaly patches. It is not only uncomfortable for the child but can also be frustrating for parents who may feel helpless in the face of their child’s distress.
While the exact cause of eczema is unknown, it’s believed to be linked to an overactive response by the body’s immune system to an irritant. It’s also thought to be connected to genetics, as children have a family history of eczema.
Many children with eczema have a dysfunction in their skin’s barrier, allowing moisture out and germs in, leading to inflammation and itchiness.
Environmental factors can also play a role. Dry skin, irritants like soaps and detergents, stress, and certain foods can trigger eczema flare-ups.
Symptoms of Eczema
The symptoms of eczema can vary from child to child, but typically include:
- Red, inflamed skin
- Intense itching
- Dry, sensitive skin
- Dark-colored patches of skin
- Rough, leathery, or scaly patches of skin
- Swelling
These symptoms often appear on the face, behind the knees, and on the wrists, hands, and feet. They can also lead to skin infections if the skin is broken from intense scratching.
Diagnosing Eczema in Children
An accurate diagnosis is the first step in managing eczema in children. Your dermatologist will likely:
Conduct a Physical Examination
The dermatologist will examine the child’s skin and ask about their medical history and symptoms.
Rule Out Other Conditions
In some cases, the dermatologist may need to perform additional tests to rule out other skin conditions.
Create a Management Plan
Once diagnosed, your dermatologist will work with you to create a plan to manage and treat your child’s eczema.
Treatment Options and Lifestyle Choices for Eczema in Children
While there’s currently no cure for eczema, there are several effective treatment options recommended by dermatologists to manage eczema symptoms:
Moisturizing
Keeping the skin well-moisturized is a fundamental step in managing eczema. Dry skin can exacerbate the itchiness and inflammation associated with this condition.
Regular application of a fragrance-free moisturizer can help maintain the skin’s natural barrier, prevent dryness, and subsequently reduce the severity of eczema flare-ups.
It’s best to apply the moisturizer immediately after bathing when the child’s skin is still damp to help lock in moisture.
Avoiding Triggers
Eczema flare-ups can be triggered by various factors that differ from child to child. Identifying and avoiding these triggers can significantly help in controlling the condition.
Common triggers include harsh soaps and detergents, certain fabrics like wool, weather changes, stress, and even certain foods.
It’s best to pay attention to any patterns or changes in your child’s condition to identify potential triggers. For instance, if a flare-up occurs after using a new laundry detergent, it might be the culprit.
Medications
Medications play a crucial role in managing eczema, especially during flare-ups. Dermatologists often prescribe topical corticosteroidsto reduce inflammation and itching associated with eczema. These are creams or ointments applied directly to the skin.
The potency of these medications varies, and a dermatologist will recommend the appropriate strength based on the severity of the condition.
In severe cases, systemic medications, which work throughout the body, may be used. These can include oral corticosteroids or newer medications like topical calcineurin inhibitors and biologics. However, these are typically reserved for more severe cases or when other treatments have not been effective.
In some cases, dermatologists can also recommend antiviral or antifungal medications to treat fungal and viral infections that can trigger eczema.
Phototherapy
Phototherapy, or light therapy, involves exposing the skin to controlled amounts of natural or artificial ultraviolet B light under medical supervision. This treatment can help reduce itching and inflammation, increase vitamin D production, and boost the skin’s ability to fight bacteria.
Wet Wraps
Wet wrap therapy is a specialized treatment usually used for severe cases of eczema or for short-term relief during intense flare-ups. This process involves applying a topical medication to the affected area and then wrapping it with a layer of wet bandages, followed by a layer of dry bandages.
The wet wrap helps the skin absorb the medication or moisturizer more effectively and provides a physical barrier against scratching.
Dermatologist in Miami
Eczema can be a challenging condition to manage, but with the right strategies and treatments, it’s possible to control symptoms and improve your child’s quality of life.
At the Children’s Skin Center, we have a team of board-certified dermatologists and certified physician assistants equipped with advanced training in both adult and pediatric dermatology. We are committed to providing comprehensive and effective treatments for eczema.
To learn more about us or to set up a consultation with our dermatologist, contact us today by calling or texting (305) 669-6555. We look forward to serving you!
