Eczema Causes in Children

One of the most bothersome and chronic medical disorders of the skin is what is eczema. However, it may continue into adulthood or make its appearance later in life. Atopic eczema is known to be among the eczema types in children. What is known as contact eczema, it is more prevalent in adults. The arms and behind the knees are where the symptoms of the condition usually affect. However, it may affect any part of the body.

Symptoms

The classic symptoms of this skin disorder include the appearance of patches on the affected area, and are red to browning-gray in color. This may be accompanied by itching, which gets severe at night. There would develop small, raised bumps. When these bumps are scratched, they may leak and crust over. Other symptoms which indicate the onset of eczema include crack skin, that may become thick and have a scaly appearance, and sensitive skin. Apart from these symptoms which may occur both in children and adults, there are some more which may be common in infants. These may include crusting rash or oozing rash that may appear on the face and scalp.

Causes

Eczema is an idiopathic condition, meaning it has no identified cause. However, doctors believe that some malfunction in the immune system when accompanied by dry, irritated skin, could be a contributing factor in the onset of this condition in children and adults.

Although experts aren't sure about the exact causes of eczema, they have been able to determine triggers that can worsen the symptoms of this condition. These may include:

• Stress (in adults)
• Perspiration
• Exposure to changing temperature
• Low humidity levels
• Use of soaps, detergents, cleaners, etc.
• Smoke
• Certain foods
• Certain clothing like wool, man-made fabrics, etc.

Treatment

Eczema problems in children or in adults for that matter, are treated keeping in mind to deal with the inflammation, reduce itching and prevent future flare-ups. For mild cases, over-the-counter (nonprescription) anti-itch creams, when added with some simple self-care measures at home, are good enough. However, some cases of eczema do not do well with just the OTC medications. They require prescription medications to get things back to normal. Apart from medications, some patients may also be recommended to expose their skin to controlled amounts of natural sunlight. This process of eczema treatment is known as light therapy. In cases of infants, parents are advised to keep their babies from skin irritations, and extreme temperatures. Also using baby bath oils, lotions or creams help to keep the skin hydrated thus, avoiding dry skin. If these measures do not respond well, babies may be given oral antihistamines by the doctor. It helps in reducing the itch and encouraging drowsiness which helps at bedtime.

Apart from the above treatment options, at home parents can help their children recover with the help of a few self-care measures. These may include avoiding triggers, helping them to avoid scratching, giving them warm baths, choosing baby soaps to bathe with, and using cool compresses (as it helps in reducing scratching). It is important to teach kids the importance of drinking plenty of water and keeping their skin moisturized. Using humidifiers and making your kids wear loose smooth-textured cotton clothing, are some other effective ways to cope with the condition.