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WHAT  IS  ECZEMA?

 

Eczema, or dermatitis, is a common condition in which the skin becomes inflamed, itchy, dry and scaly. In children, the main form is atopic eczema.

 

Atopic eczema affects around one in eight babies and usually starts before the age of six months, varying in severity from just a few patches of dry, itchy skin to a red, sore, weeping rash. Eczema is often inherited and has been linked to other allergic conditions, such as hay fever or asthma. Most eczema comes and goes, and the flare-ups have many triggers, such as pet fur, stress, heat, house dust mites and some foods. In severe cases, the flare-ups can be extremely distressing and interfere with family life.

 

Half of all babies with eczema grow out of it by the time they reach five years old and, in most children, the condition will clear up completely by the time they reach their teens. However, it may reappear later in life at times of stress.

 

This child has a fairly severe form of eczema that has made his skin red, sore and inflamed.

 

One of the first signs of eczema is a dry, flaky patch of skin on the face, usually appearing when your baby is three to six months old

 

Your baby may rub his face against his bedding and find it difficult to sleep. As his fingers become more co-coordinated, you may notice scratch marks on his skin.

Once your baby becomes more mobile, the eczema may spread to other parts of his body, such as his hands and feet, the inside of his elbows and backs of his knees. In some cases, it can occur all over a child's body.

 

The worse the eczema, the itchier it gets, and once it is scratched, the skin becomes sore and inflamed. This can lead to weeping and crusting and even the risk of an infection.

 

When to call the doctor

 

Occasionally, your child's eczema will flare up without an obvious trigger. Take him to the doctor if:

 

• His eczema spreads rapidly.
• He finds it difficult to sleep.
• His eczema becomes weepy and crusted or bright red.
• New symptoms develop, such as breathing problems or a fever

Cradle Cap

 

Cradle cap is a form of eczema called infantile seborrhoeic dermatitis. It is very common in young babies, and varies in severity from a few yellow flakes of skin on the top of the head to a greasy cap of thick crusted scales covering the whole scalp. Sometimes, cradle cap spreads to the baby's face, neck and ears.

 

Although cradle cap may look unpleasant, it is harmless and shouldn't trouble your baby. It may last just a few weeks or stay for up to 12 months.

 

Cradle cap is a mild form of eczema that affects many young babies. Special cradle cap shampoo or baby oil will help to clear the condition.

Treating  Eczema

 

 

Remedy

 

Emollient cream, ointment or lotion

 

Steroid creams and ointments

 

 

Dietary changes

 

Antihistamine and antibiotic tablets

 

What does it do?

 

Keeps the skin moist and reduces the itching.

 

Soothes skin inflammation and itching:

 

A change in diet can reduce eczema that may be triggered by a food allergy

Reduces more severe forms of eczema.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Procedure

 

Can be used on all forms of eczema. Apply liberally and frequently to the skin, ideally every half an hour and after bath time. In severe cases, use wet wrapping to enhance the emollient's effectiveness during the night. Smear a thick layer of emollient on to your child's skin, cover this with a layer of warm, damp

tubular bandages and place a layer of dry bandages on top. Then dress your child in loose clothes and ensure the

Bedroom is not too hot.

 

A weak steroid cream can keep flare-ups under control. The creams are available over the counter in varying strengths, but should be used under medical supervision only. For babies, the mildest steroid, hydrocortisone, is usually prescribed;

 

Elimination diets are usually reserved for very young children with severe eczema that hasn't responded to standard treatments. Common culprits include dairy products, citrus fruits, fish and peanuts. Before eliminating any foods from your child's diet, consult a doctor. It can be dangerous for a child to miss out on certain foods, as this could result in nutritional deficiencies

If the itching is severe and your child has problems sleeping, your doctor may recommend sedative antihistamine tablets or syrup. These should be given at least half an hour before your child goes to bed. If the eczema becomes infected, your doctor may prescribe antibiotic tablets or creams or ointments containing both an antibiotic and a steroid.

 

 

 

Scratching problems

 

Babies and young children can't resist the urge to scratch, but unfortunately this makes the eczema worse. Young babies should wear cotton mittens to stop them from scratching themselves. Their fingernails should be kept short and clean. Older children should bet taught to pat or rub the itch rather than scratch it. If your child is it chief at certain times of the day, apply extra emollients during these periods.

 

Reducing the triggers

 

Eczema can be aggravated by many factors. Fortunately, there are precautions you can take to reduce the risk of a flare-up:

• Avoid using soap or bubble bath - choose a bath emollient or an emollient cleansing bar.
• Change bedclothes often and vacuum beds and carpets to control house dust mites.
• Use anti-allergenic cotton bedding.
• Wash soft toys regularly at high temperatures.
• Keep your child's bedroom cool and turn down the heating overnight.
• Keep your child cool during hot weather.
• Keep household pets away from your child.
• Avoid putting wool or synthetic fabrics next to your child's skin.
• Experiment with different washing powders, as some may make your child's eczema worse ­non-biological detergents are less likely to provoke a reaction.

 

For  More  Information:  Please  consult  your  physician  on  your  next  visit.