Eczema

Eczema is a skin condition that causes dry, itchy, and bumpy skin patches. By weakening the skin’s barrier, the skin is unable to retain moisture and/or be protected from outside factors.

There are several types of eczema:

Atopic Dermatitis is the most common kind. It often starts in childhood and it’s linked to allergies and asthma. It targets the face, hands, and behind the knees by causing itchy and inflamed skin.

Contact Dermatitis is a skin reaction to something that has been touched. Itching, redness, and blistering are caused by irritants or allergens.

Dyshidrotic Eczema causes small, fluid-filled blisters both on the hands and feet. Stress, allergies, and sweat are normal triggers.

Nummular Eczema is characterized by coin-shaped, red, and itchy skin spots. It can develop after burns or insect bites. 

Seborrheic Dermatitis affects areas with high oil production like the scalp, face, and upper chest. It can develop into dandruff and flakes or red and greasy skin. 

Stasis Dermatitis is mainly triggered by poor circulation in the legs, leading to fluid buildup, which causes red, itchy skin and even ulcers. 

Neurodermatitis is characterized by thick, scaly patches of skin which are caused by scratching. The exact cause is unknown, but it’s normally linked to stress or anxiety.

At Katy Pediatric Associates, our team offers eczema consultations where they can evaluate the symptoms and overall health of your child and therefore determine whether it is, indeed, eczema, and decide the best course of action to manage it.

Eczema consultations often involve the following steps: analysis of the child’s medical history (including family’s history of related allergic conditions), physical exam (where our pediatricians will look for telltale signs of eczema), and patch testing (in case of contact dermatitis)