Treating Children with Eczema
Eczema is a condition that affects about 10% of all children. It usually occurs when the child is an infant, but in some cases can develop as late as the age of 5. It is usually associated with rashes on the child’s body or face that can be quite itchy, aggravating the problem. Parents of children with eczema are usually quite anxious about the condition since it occurs when the child is just a baby. The professionals at Village Pediatrics have been successfully treating infants and young children with various forms of eczema for a number of years. We are able to accurately identify details of the condition and help formulate a well-developed treatment plan for optimal results.
What is Eczema?
Eczema in a broad sense covers a wide variety of skin conditions and is usually seen in the form of rashes on the child’s body or face. The most common type of eczema is atopic dermatitis, which implies that the child develops the condition because of over-sensitivity to some allergens in the air. This could be pollen, dust, animal dander and even certain foods.
Eczema is not considered an allergy but the condition can develop into an allergy at a later stage. It's usually seen when the child is a few months old and in about half the cases disappears by the time the child enters his or her teenage years. However in the remaining 50% of the cases, it remains as a lifelong condition and could develop into asthma or hay fever.
Causes of Eczema
The causes of eczema are usually genetically linked. Children of parents who suffer from hay fever, asthma or allergies are at a greater risk of developing eczema. It is not exactly clear how, but medical experts agree that certain genes are passed on to the child that makes him or her more inclined to suffer from the condition.
Apart from genetically contracting it, environmental factors like excessive heat or even emotional stress can result in some children developing the condition.
Symptoms of Eczema
The symptoms of eczema are usually seen when the child is an infant, usually within the age of 2 to 6 months. During this time, it is manifested in red itchy bumps on their cheeks, forehead, chin or scalp. In some extreme cases the rash extends to the arms and legs of the body.
As children get older, the rash usually improves in its intensity but the skin becomes extremely dry and itchy resulting in most children scratching the affected area. This aggravates the problem and results in thick dark patches over the skin which can be difficult to remove.
Treatment of Eczema
In most cases, doctors prescribe effective ointments or creams to control the rash or outbreak. These usually contain cortisone or steroids in some form, but it is important to use the right strength of cream in the right area as it could damage a small infant’s sensitive skin. There are oral medications like antihistamines and even antibiotics to help prevent any infection.
Prevention and treatment is the best way to manage eczema and with Village Pediatrics, we will provide you with all the guidance and support you need to help your little one overcome this condition.