H E A L T H
ECZEMA
SYMPTOMS, CAUSES & TREATMENTS
Eczema is a condition where the skin becomes dry, irritated, very itchy and therefore sore, bleeding, red and scaly when scratched. It can be very painful for children, so here’s a rundown of the condition and how to treat it.
Eczema is a condition that exists in different forms, with the most common being atopic dermatitis.
which is why many kids with the condition also have family members who have it too.
The symptoms of eczema include:
People with eczema also may have asthma and other types of allergies, such as hay fever. Eczema, asthma and hay fever are known as ‘atopic’ conditions and they affect people who are overly sensitive to allergens in the environment. For some, food allergies may either spark these reactions, or worsen them. For others, allergies to pet hair, household dust, pollen or other things might be the triggers. Either way, eczema is not contagious.
ü Dry, itchy skin ü Redness, bumpy, scaly skin, that can leak fluid and form a hard, dry scab that is prone to cracking ü Intermittent flare-ups ü Possibly more of a problem at night It is not known exactly what causes eczema, but one theory is that the condition might occur because of a difference in the way a person’s immune system reacts to things. Skin allergies may be involved in some forms of eczema. Eczema is fairly common and experts believe it is passed from parents to kids through genes,
Eczema in babies and children In babies under the age of one, eczema usually flares up on their cheeks, forehead or scalp. In many cases, it also appears on their knees, elbows and torso.
20 | DECEMBER 2021 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD
In children aged from the toddler to the teen years, the eczema rash will typically affect the elbows, the area behind their knees, the neck, or the inner wrists and ankles. Older children will often find that their skin is thicker, more dry, more bumpy and scaly and drier than when their eczema first began. Their skin also can be darker, or scarred from all the scratching.
How Is Eczema Diagnosed? There is no specific test used to diagnose eczema. Your doctor will examine the rash and ask about symptoms, your child’s health, and the family’s health history. If family members have any atopic conditions, that’s an important clue. Your doctor can rule out other conditions that can cause skin inflammation and might refer your child to a dermatologist or an allergist. The doctor may also ask you to eliminate some foods
