What is eczema?
Also called atopic dermatitis, eczema is a chronic, non-contagious inflammatory skin condition.
Doctors use the term eczema when referring to several similar skin conditions that cause your skin to look red and irritated with small, fluid-filled bumps that sometimes become moist and oozy. Other common symptoms include dry, itchy skin, and rashes.
Eczema can develop all over your body or in just a few places, often in response to allergens like pollen, mold, dust, animal dander, and some foods.
While eczema isn't an allergy, allergies can trigger it. However, excessive heat and emotional stress also trigger outbreaks. Those diagnosed with eczema are twice as likely to suffer from hay fever and asthma.
How is eczema diagnosed?
During a consultation to diagnose eczema, the team at Comprehensive Pediatrics reviews your child’s medical history and examines their skin. While there is no lab test for eczema, patch and other testing help rule out other possible conditions, such as:
- Seborrheic dermatitis, or cradle cap in babies
- Psoriasis: A genetic disease that causes your skin to become scaly and inflamed
- Contact dermatitis: Direct skin contact with an irritating substance causes a reaction
If the team determines your child has eczema, they offer ways to manage the symptoms and provide treatments.
How is eczema treated?
If moisturizing every day doesn’t help, the team at Comprehensive Pediatrics may prescribe medication to treat eczema. They may also suggest:
- Steroid cream or ointment: Controls itching and helps repair your skin when applied after you moisturize
- Calcineurin inhibitors: Affect your immune system and help control the skin reaction in those over the age of two
- Antibiotic creams: Treat bacterial infection brought on through open sores or cracks in your skin
- Oral drugs: Control inflammation and treat infections
- Injectable biologic: Used on those who don’t respond well to other treatment options
The team works with your child to determine the best treatment for their skin and tailors a plan specific to their needs.
How can my child prevent eczema?
Comprehensive Pediatrics recommends your child take the following steps to avoid a flare-up:
- Avoid scratching and taking antihistamines to reduce itching
- Moisturize your skin several times a day using ointments free of skin-irritating chemicals
- Use a humidifier
- Avoid wool, lanolin strong soaps, and detergents
- Try to stay away from sudden body temperature changes and stress
- Take short, lukewarm baths or showers using gentle body washes and cleansers
The team at Comprehensive Pediatrics is available to help your child prevent eczema and ready to answer any questions you may have.
If your child suffers from eczema, call the office or make an appointment online today.
