Eczema: How to Help Your Child Avoid the Itch

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Vaibhav Shah  

Vaibhav Shah 

                          Eczema: How to Help Your Child Avoid the Itch

Eczema is a chronic skin problem that causes dry, red, ITCHY SKIN. It is also called atopic dermatitis or AD.

Who Gets Eczema?

Eczema is the most common skin problem treated by pediatric dermatologists. About 65% of patients develop symptoms before age 1, and about 90% of them develop symptoms before age 5. Many babies outgrow eczema by age 4. Some children outgrow eczema by the time they are young adults, although their skin remains dry and sensitive. A few may have it all their lives, but there are ways to relieve the symptoms.

Eczema often runs in families with a history of eczema or other allergic conditions such as hay fever and asthma. It is not contagious.

Eczema Symptoms

Because eczema is a chronic skin problem, these symptoms can come and go. There are times when the symptoms are worse (called exacerbations or flares) followed by times when the skin gets better or clears up completely (called remissions).

The SYMPTOMS OF ECZEMA are different with each child. Common symptoms include dry, red, ITCHY SKIN and rashes. These rashes can be oozing or very dry.

Eczema can appear anywhere on the body or in just a few areas.

In babies, a rash often appears on the face and scalp.

In younger children, a rash often appears in the folds of the elbows and knees.

In teens and young adults, a rash often appears on the hands and feet.