EXPERTS ADVICE HOW TO TAKE CARE OF A CHILD WITH ECZEMA

  • 20 May - 26 May, 2023
  • Mag The Weekly
  • PARENTING

Eczema is a relatively prevalent skin condition. The most common form of eczema is called atopic dermatitis. About 15 to 20% of children have atopic dermatitis, which frequently starts in infancy. It typically gets better as the child gets older and may go away by the time, they start school or hit puberty. Some atopic dermatitis patients in youngsters may have more chronic conditions.

Causes

A type of "sensitive skin" found on children with eczema may be more easily irritated by perspiration, heat, rough clothing, and various detergents, soaps, and cleansers. It is unclear if allergies to foods, pets or other animals, dust mites, tree pollens, or grasses "cause" the eczema in the majority of children who have atopic dermatitis. Finding these allergies typically has little effect on the eczema. Rarely, atopic dermatitis patients' kids may experience allergies to substances found in their moisturisers, other skincare items, clothes, or topical treatments.

Symptoms

Children with eczema experience skin inflammation, which causes red, dry, itchy patches to form. Itching could be intense and ongoing. The skin may become infected and develop blisters, weeping, crusting, or sores from repeated scratching. The child's skin may occasionally start to become quite rough, leathery, and deeper in colour if they continue to scratch for several weeks to months. Eczema frequently affects the face, scalp, arms, and legs in young children. Only the insides of the elbows and the backs of the knees may be affected by eczema in older kids. The entire body may be affected in some youngsters with severe eczema. Eczema is very itchy.

Treatments

Eczema cannot be cured, however it may typically be managed with proper skin care. It's critical to follow up with your doctor frequently so they can assess the effectiveness of any recommended medications.

Bathing

Some kids benefit from taking a bath only once to three times a week. More frequent bathing might "dry out" the skin and exacerbate irritation. Bathing more frequently for kids with environmental allergies, such as pollen and animal dander, especially after coming into contact with recognised allergens, may be beneficial. Which method is ideal for your child will be determined with your doctor's assistance.

• Use a gentle, non-soap cleanser such as Dove Sensitive Skin bar soap or Cetaphil cleanser.

• Limit time in bathtub or shower to 5 to 10 minutes or less.

• Warm water; hot water will further dry out the skin.

• Do not use a washcloth, hot water or bubble bath, or loofahs.

• Pat skin dry with towel. Do not rub.

• Apply topical medicines or moisturizers as instructed, right after bathing while the skin is still damp.

Topical (Skin) Medicines

To treat your child's eczema, your doctor can advise applying topical steroids or other lotions or ointments. To keep the eczema under control, apply a small dose of medication to the afflicted areas as needed, up to twice per day. The medication might not need to be taken every day. Prior to applying moisturiser, always apply the topical medication. Prior to applying moisturiser, try to wait at least 30 minutes.

Environmental Triggers

Avoid foods or environmental triggers such as dog or cat dander, dust mites and tree pollens that may make your child’s eczema worse.

Skin Infections

Skin infections are common in children with eczema. This may show up as pustules, yellow crusting, oozing, tender areas or nodules, or red/warm plaques. If your child has a skin infection, your doctor may change the skin care routine for a short time. They may also prescribe either a topical or oral antibiotic.

Bleach Baths

Routine diluted bleach baths will cut down the bacteria on the child’s skin and decrease the risk of bacterial infections. 1-2 times a week is recommended. May do more often if in a severe flare. Bleach bath recipe:

• A quarter of a cup of unscented laundry bleach in a regular size bathtub filled half full

• One teaspoon per gallon of water in a baby tub

Wet wraps

Wet dressings can be placed on the child after applying topical steroid medication. This makes the medication more effective by helping it penetrate deeper into the skin. Tubifast is a type of tube dressing that comes in many sizes. It can be cut to fit areas of the body such as arms, legs, and torso. You may also use ace wrap, or wet cotton pajamas.

Follow-up Visits

Follow-up visits are very important. The doctor will examine your child’s skin and monitor for side effects of steroid medication use and infections.

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