Childhood Eczema-symptoms and treatment management

Eczema is an itchy inflammation of the skin that may be accompanied with asthma or hay fever. This condition is characterised by red, irritated skin occasional accompanied by small, fluid filled lesions. These lesions usually ooze out when it comes into contact with moisture. Eczema involves various skin diseases with the common form been Atopic Dermatitis affecting children of any age and appearing at any time. Although children usually outgrow eczema the vast majority will experience dry, irritated skin.

Children suffering with eczema have an inflammatory response to irritated substances such as pollen, mould, dust, animal dander and certain foods. The skin becomes red and irritated with the development of inflammation resulting in itching. Eczema is not an allergy but allergies such as hay fever can trigger the condition. This is a chronic condition that is not contagious.

Symptoms of eczema in children:
*Eczema usually appears in red, itchy and dry patches with small bumps
*The rash can develop into red open crusted lesion
*Eczema often occurs on the cheeks, forehead and scalp. It can spread to extremities of the arms, legs and behind the knees
*Chronic scratching causes the skin to become thick, scaly and appear leathery
*A raw sensation is often experienced due to scratching

Causes of childhood eczema:
*A child predisposed to a family history of allergies may have an increased risk of developing eczema
*Rough textured material such as wool can cause the skin to itch resulting in an allergic reaction. This reaction may develop into eczema.
*Environmental factors such as change temperature, high levels of humidity and dry dusty areas contribute to the development of eczema
*Fragrant soaps, detergents, certain foods, animal saliva, air conditioning can cause the development of eczema
*Eczema commonly appears at times of stress and emotional disorders. This causes the condition to aggravate and flare-up
*Upper respiratory infections, asthma and hay fever can often trigger eczema
*Long baths can dry the skin resulting in the aggravation of eczema

Prevention of eczema in children:
*Decrease the severity and frequency of flare-ups by avoiding environmental factors such as pollen and moulds that can trigger eczema
*Avoid a sudden change in temperature and humidity
*Reduce stress levels with calming and relaxing activities to decrease the frequency of eczema
*Avoid the use of rough textured materials to prevent an aggravation and development of eczema
*Fragrant soaps, detergents and other scented substances should be avoided
*Avoid the intake of food that can trigger eczema

Treating childhood eczema:
*A daily application of a cream or lotion can help maintain a moisture level in the skin preventing the skin from drying out.
*The ideal time to moisturise is immediately after bathing as the moisture from the bath is locked in.
*Cold compress applied to the skin can relieve itchiness
*Medication such as corticosteroid cream or an ointment is prescribed by a qualified medical doctor to help reduce inflammation
*Topical or oral antibiotics are prescribed if the eczema is recurrently occurring
*Living environment should be kept clean of dust
*Avoid the use of harsh scented soaps and detergents
*Identify and try to avoid the triggers that can cause eczema