eczema

About Eczema and Your Child Eczema (ex-em-ah) is a term used for a number of skin problems. A common one is called atropic dermatitis (a-tro-pick derm-ah-tie-tis) that causes red, inflamed skin.

No one knows for sure what causes eczema, but doctors believe it is brought on by an over active immune system. Many babies and children who have it also have asthma or allergies, such as hay fever or food allergies.

Eczema seems to run in families, but it is not contagious (cannot be passed from one person to another).

An outbreak of eczema can be “triggered” by things such as: ●

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dust, pollen, mold or animal dander

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rough fabrics rubbing against the skin

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being too hot or sweating some foods

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certain soaps or cleansers – especially those with perfumes tobacco smoke infections, such as colds and coughs stress

Symptoms of eczema can come and go and may include: ●

red, itchy skin

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swelling or scaling of the skin

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an open wound that forms “bubbles” and oozes liquid

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rough, dry skin – bumpy looking and rough to the touch

©2006-13 P&H Assoc., Inc This handout is for information only and is not meant to replace your doctors advice or treatment.

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About Eczema and Your Child

What can be done Eczema cannot be cured, but it can be managed. Some general guidelines for your child’s comfort and healing include: ●

Use moisturizers and creams as advised by your child’s doctor. This may include:

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A steroid cream to help reduce inflammation.

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A non-steroidal ointment to help with itching.

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You may also be advised to give your child an antihistamine by mouth.

If your child has a skin infection from the eczema, he or she will also need an antibiotic. The doctor may prescribe it as a cream for the skin or a pill or liquid taken by mouth.

Call your child’s doctor if your child: ●

has signs of infection, such as: more redness, pain, swelling or warmth in the area ❍

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pus, drainage or a bad smell in the area fever (temperature over 100.3°F) (37.9ºC)

has symptoms that get worse in spite of treatment

Also call if your have any questions or concerns about your child.

©2006-13 P&H Assoc., Inc This handout is for information only and is not meant to replace your doctors advice or treatment.

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About Eczema and Your Child

How to prevent an outbreak To help prevent eczema flare-ups in your baby or child, follow these tips: ●

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Do not let anyone smoke around your child. Do not take your child into places where there are smokers.

Use warm water for baths or showers. Avoid using hot water as it can dry the skin too much. Gently pat the skin to dry it.

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Limit tub baths to no longer than 15 – 20 minutes.

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Use mild soaps without odors or colors.

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Moisturize your child’s skin right after the bath and within 3 minutes of drying. This helps to seal water into the skin. Use a moisturizer that is “fragrance free” and is advised by your child’s doctor.

Dress your child in soft fabrics, such as cotton. Avoid harsh, scratchy fabrics and clothes that do not “breathe”.

Teach your child not to scratch the skin or sore. Scratching can lead to infection, scarring and thick, brown skin patches over time.

If scratching is a problem at night, have your child wear lightweight, cotton gloves to bed or socks on his or her hands.

Get rid of items that bother your child’s skin, such as dust, mold, animal dander or foods your child is allergic to.

Keep your child’s fingernails clipped short.

©2006-13 P&H Assoc., Inc This handout is for information only and is not meant to replace your doctors advice or treatment.

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