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Eczema or dermatitis is a group of skin conditions that affect children and adults alike. Seeing your child anxiously scratching himself is a distressing moment as a parent. Even if it is not something necessarily deadly, we crave to maintain the health of our little ones consistently stable. At the moment, we know that they are going through a rough time and are uncomfortable with their own skin. The best thing we can do is get informed about childhood eczema to help and support them.
Childhood Eczema: What Is It and How to Detect it?
Eczema is a chronic inflammatory condition characterized by dryness, redness, and intense itching on your child’s skin. It is caused mainly by a weakened protective barrier.
The itching can be so intense that it disrupts sleep and daily activities, and the redness in the skin can get you even more worried about your child’s well-being. Scratching can lead to infections or scarring, escalating the situation.
Fortunately, early intervention can prevent long-term skin damage, and even if eczema is not curable, treatment can help ease the symptoms and discomfort. The treatment and causes of eczema vary depending on many factors so we can classify them into different types.
Types of Childhood Eczema and Possible Treatment
While we can’t point out precisely the leading cause of eczema, researchers do know a combination of genes and environmental triggers provokes it. For example, with contact with certain animals. Depending on the type of eczema, there may be different causes, symptoms, and treatments. Here are the most common childhood eczema types:
Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis, the classic childhood eczema, affects 7% to 17% of American children. It involves the skin, creating lighter or darker patches than standard skin color, and forms at the folds of elbows and knees. Babies may develop a rash on their scalp and cheeks. Their main symptoms are dry, scaly patches on cheeks, elbows, and knees; these patches can get redness and oozing if scratched.
Recommended Treatment:
- Daily Moisturizing
- Topical Corticosteroids
- Avoidance of Triggers
- Antihistamines
- Therapeutic Baths
Contact Dermatitis
As the name implies, it is triggered by irritants or allergens. Allergies provoke an immune system reaction, whereas irritant contact dermatitis directly impacts the skin. A rash from contact dermatitis can lead to itchy bumps known as hives, and the affected skin may become thick and scaly.
Recommended Treatment:
- Identify and Remove Triggers
- Topical Steroids
- Barrier Creams
- Cold Compresses
Dyshidrotic Eczema
Dyshidrotic eczema is mainly related to blisters on the soles of the feet and palms of the hands. These blisters may be itchy and, if more significant, excruciating. Once they heal, the affected skin might feel notoriously dry. This condition is generally associated with seasonal allergies.Â
Recommended Treatment:
- Intense Moisturizing
- Potent Topical Steroids
- Stress Management Activities
- Antibiotics (If Infected)
- Antihistamines
Seborrheic DermatitisÂ
It is a type of childhood eczema; called cradle cap in infants. It’s harmless and not contagious but is easy to worry about for its appearance: Flaky, greasy patches. They can appear in areas like the back, nose, and scalp, although they can also occur lower on the face, in the diaper area, and in skin folds around a baby’s body. Rashes may present as yellow crusts with red skin or as white or yellow flakes. Typically, it resolves by six months of age.
Your Trusted Pediatric Practice
Seeing your children with eczema is not a pleasant experience, especially if it makes them uncomfortable in their own skin. Fortunately, we at Katy Pediatrics Associates are here to help and support you through this situation. If you want to learn more about childhood eczema or need treatment for your child, do not hesitate to contact us.
To learn more about childhood eczema in Houston, Texas, schedule your visit by calling 281-492-7676 or sending us a message online today.