Nationaleczema.org (2017) defines eczema, or “Atopic Dermatitis” as a chronic skin condition that causes the skin to be dry, itchy, and red. This skin condition can appear anywhere on a child’s body but the most common areas are the legs, arms, and face. According to nationaleczema.org (2017), “Eczema is very common. And in many cases, it’s also manageable. In fact, over 30 million Americans have some form of eczema.” Although eczema is a very common skin condition, it is not contagious. Eczema often runs in family who have a history of eczema or other allergic conditions such as asthma. Eczema can be triggered by environmental factors as well. This website provides a list of different irritants that could cause your child’s eczema to flare up. It is important to note that eczema is different in everyone, so one thing that works for someone might not work for the next person.
Signs
and Symptoms
Since eczema is different for everyone some symptoms can come and go while other times they seem to never leave. Eczema also may present different in babies as they do in toddlers and children. The National Eczema Association tells readers that the location, and appearance of the eczema can look different for every growing stage and it is important to notice the differences.
- Infants
to 6 months old: At this age, eczema usually appears on your baby’s face,
cheeks, and chin and it usually look more red.
- Babies 6-12 months: At this age, eczema will usually appear on your baby’s elbows and knees, since those are the areas most rubbed when your baby is learning how to crawl.
- Toddlers 2-5 years old: At this age, the eczema will usually appear on your baby’s ankles, hands, and knees. The eczema will present itself as more scaly and dry.
Ways
to Prevent Flare-Ups
The
best way to prevent flare-ups according to the National Eczema Association, "is to know the triggers for eczema and be
prepared." The National Eczema Association gives some ways to help prevent flare-ups like:
- Keep your child’s skin moisturized: Your child’s skin should be moisturized every day. Make sure to use fragrance free lotions, creams, or ointments.
- Avoid Irritants: Some people are very sensitive to different cleaners. Soaps, and detergents. Use mild laundry detergents, and avoid using fabric softeners. When giving your child a bath avoid using a lot of fragrance soaps and use cool bath water instead of warm or hot water.
- Avoid Scratching: Make sure to remind your child not to scratch the areas that are bothering them. Scratching can cause their skin to bleeding and scar. Keep your child’s nails short and smooth. Try to distract your child from scratching by diverting their attention to something else.
- Stress: Stress can sometimes cause a child’s eczema to flare-up. Emotional stress can sometimes cause a child to sweat. Children who have eczema can sometimes get “prickly heat” when they sweat, or when they get too warm.
This video provides a more in depth look
at Eczema and different things that can cause a flare-up of your child's
eczema.
Eczema (atopic dermatitis) -
causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, pathology (2016, 28, December).
Retrieved October 5, 2017, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5oRHWsJJJA&t=186s
References:
Understanding
Your Child’s Eczema | National Eczema Association. (n.d.). Retrieved October 7,
2017, from https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/children/