Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a common skin condition in infants and children. Most often it first occurs between 2 and 6 months of age and it diminishes by age 5. It can be manifest as dry skin that is mild and painless or as open sores that are itching and painful. The rash most often occurs in the creases behind a child's knees, ankles, neck and elbows, but it can occur in patches anywhere on the body. Although eczema is a common occurrence, it is a complex rash that can have many causes.
Genetics
Eczema is primarily a condition caused by a problem with the immune system. In children with a family history of allergies or asthma, the immune system becomes overactive and triggers the flare-ups in the skin. Eczema is not an allergic reaction, but a response by an overly sensitive immune system. With genetics as an underlying factor, there is often no way to completely stop eczema outbreaks, but parents can control the symptoms by controlling the other factors.
Diet
One possible cause of eczema is sensitivity to certain proteins in the child's diet or the diet of a nursing mother. According to Dr. Andurada Agrawal, a Dallas pediatrician, the vast majority of children with eczema have a sensitivity to proteins found in cow's milk. Other less likely culprits are eggs, wheat, soy and peanuts. The elimination of dairy or any other offending foods can give the affected child relief. An elimination diet followed for two to four weeks can reveal if a protein trigger aggravates the condition.
Environment
One multi-faceted factor that often worsens outbreaks of eczema is environmental triggers. This includes factors such as dry air, hot or cold temperatures, hot baths, stressful conditions, immunizations and the presence of allergens such as pollen and pet dander. All of these factors place a burden on a young child's immune system and skin, causing an intensification of the rash. By limiting your child's exposure to these triggers, you can help to control the intensification of the rash.
Topical Contact
Items that directly touch your child's skin can also play a part in causing eczema flare-ups. Course clothing, binding elastic or other pressure points can cause irritation from friction. Dyes, perfumes, additives and artificial colors in laundry detergent, lotions, soaps, clothing and cleaning products can all trigger eczema. By choosing gentle products that are formulated for sensitive skin, you can help to reduce the rash on your child's skin.
References
- Dr. Anuradha Agrawal, MD; PVG Pediatrics; Dallas, Texas
- KidsHealth: Eczema
- "The Baby Book"; Dr. William Sears, M.D. and Martha Sears, R.N.; 1993.
