Natural Health Alternatives Blog

What Is Eczema?

Eczema is a skin condition in which some patches of skin become itchy, red and inflamed, cracked and rough. Sometimes blisters also form. Eczema is also referred to as atopic dermatitis. Like hay fever and asthma, eczema involves the immune system. Although eczema is not caused by allergies but they can make its symptoms worse, which is why patients are told to avoid certain food groups such as dairy, gluten and nuts. Eczema is mainly the inflammation of skin. It can also be recognised by scaly and patchy skin which itches. There is no full proof cure for eczema, but there are treatment options available for alleviating symptoms and healing the already damaged skin.

Symptoms

The symptoms for eczema will appear usually within the first few months of a child’s life or before they are 5. The good news is that most children will outgrow these symptoms by the time they are teenagers or older. However, the underlying symptoms of dry and sensitive skin and the tendency to develop eczema will persist throughout their life. Eczema is not a contagious disease and in most cases rashes will develop on the face, behind knees, on the legs, elbows, wrists, ankles and behind the neck. Some of the symptoms in kids and teenagers are:

•    Itchy and dry skin

•    Inflammation of skin and small bumps

•    Scaly skin

•    Rash that itches

Causes

Although it can be genetic, other causes for eczema are:

 •    Pollen

•    Mould and dust

•    Dry skin

•    Coarse and woolly fabric

•    Some food groups

•    Excessive heat

•    Sweating

•    Stress

•    Harsh soaps and detergents

•    Skin care products that contain alcohol and perfume

Diagnosing Eczema in Kids

Diagnosing eczema can a bit of a challenge because each child is different with unique symptoms, which vary in their severity. Sometimes, it can be confused with other skin conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, which is a genetic condition and can cause inflamed and scaly skin and contact dermatitis. As there is no definitive test to diagnose eczema, doctors work through the medical history of the child. If a family member has a history of hay fever, asthma or other allergies, it is possible that your child will develop the symptoms for eczema.

The doctor will conduct a physical examination, ask family’s medical history and the information about any medication that your child is taking. The doctor may also inquire about any changes in your child’s hygiene routine, environmental changes and any stress that they might be facing at school or home. After examining the rash or lichenification, you will be recommended to take your child or teenager to the dermatologist or allergist, who will then conduct a blood test, a patch test or a scratch or prick test to further confirm the diagnosis.

Eliminating certain foods (to rule out food allergies) and changing soap or detergent will also be recommended for complete diagnosis to check if your kid has an allergic reaction to something that is causing the eczema to flare up.

Treatment Options for Kids and Teenagers

Cortisone or other steroid cream ointments, also known as topical corticosteroids, are commonly prescribed by the doctor to treat eczema in children and teenagers, which can be applied twice a day on the affected area. The creams can vary in strength depending on the severity of eczema. There are also other prescription medicines that can be prescribed by the doctor in addition to or instead of topical creams such as:

•    Oral antibiotics

•    Topical antibiotics, which are used to treat secondary infections

•    Antihistamines for itching

•    Ultraviolet treatment – which is only suitable for older kids and teenagers

•    Calcineurin inhibitors

•    Barrier repair creams

•    Phototherapy

•    Antifungal medicines

Consult your doctor immediately if your child’s symptoms become worse, the blisters start leaking or in case of high fever.