The common symptoms of eczema include: * **Itchy skin:** This is often the most prominent symptom and can be severe. * **Dry, sensitive skin:** Skin may feel rough, dry, and easily irritated. * **Red, inflamed skin:** Areas affected by eczema can appear red and inflamed. * **Rough, leathery, or scaly skin:** Over time, the skin can become thickened, tough, and scaly. * **Oozing or crusting:** In some cases, the rash can weep fluid and form a crust. * **Swelling:** Affected areas may also become swollen. * **Rash in specific areas:** In infants, eczema commonly appears on the face, scalp, and in the nappy area. In older children and adults, it often affects the creases of the elbows and knees, as well as the neck, wrists, and ankles.
Eczema actually has different stages and can occur at different times. Infantile eczema typically affects children between two months and two years of age. The rash in infantile eczema can be found on the scalp, neck, and in skin folds. As the child gets a little older, it can extend to the creases of the elbows and knees. Parents might first notice redness [rash] on the baby's skin, which is quite itchy, so you'll see the child scratching frequently. If they can't reach a spot, like their scalp, they might rub their head or shake their head. The main reasons for this are dry and itchy skin.
What can parents do to soothe?
- Apply moisturising cream appropriately, especially during drier winter months
- Try to avoid excessively high indoor temperatures. You can use the air conditioning appropriately to reduce the chances of sweating.
Eczema treatment methods
When parents notice their baby's skin becoming increasingly red and dry, with severe itching that affects their feeding and sleep, it's actually time to seek medical advice.
The doctor will decide which cream to use based on the distribution of the eczema. If it's very severe, steroid creams will be considered in the first instance, in the hope of reducing the severity of eczema outbreaks. There are many different types of steroids, so professional medical advice should be sought to prescribe a suitable cream for children. If the eczematous skin unfortunately becomes infected, anti-inflammatory creams containing antibiotics will also be chosen.
Many parents worry about steroid creams. In actual fact, steroids are also graded by strength, from mild to potent. Doctors mostly use the mildest types of steroids on babies, which have fewer side effects.
Will eczema be cured?
Some babies will continue to have eczema as they grow up, so there's no need to worry too much, as many babies' skin conditions improve with age. As for whether it will completely clear up, that depends on the baby's condition and other factors. If a baby has other conditions such as sensitive airways, allergic rhinitis, or a family history of allergies, then they are more likely to have eczema as they grow older and it may be more difficult to clear up completely.
What causes eczema in children?
- Genetics
- Eczema allergyConstitution
- Naturally sensitive to certain allergens
- Environmental factors
- Food factors
- The skin's natural barrier is compromised
