According to the American Academy of Dermatology, eczema in infants and toddlers is often referred to as infantile eczema, a condition that often resolves by age 2. Eczema produces an itchy rash on the scalp, forehead and face but can also show up on other parts of the body. Continuous scratching of the eczema can lead to an infection and skin damage. There are several types of eczema that present in toddlers, and a doctor can help a parent choose the right course of treatment.
Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis is the most common form of eczema among toddlers. The Skin Care Physicians website reports that 90 percent of children who have atopic eczema will develop it before age 5. This type of eczema usually starts in infancy and continues into the toddler years, but many children will outgrow it as they move into the school years. Atopic dermatitis is most often seen on the face in toddlers. It can also be found on the backs of the knees, the skin folds of the neck, the wrists and ankles. This form of eczema produces dry patches of skin that can crack and ooze. Treatment will need to be done daily, and flare-ups can occur, so vigilance with treatment is important. Treatment includes medication and skin care.
Contact Dermatitis
When a toddler has contact dermatitis, it is due to coming into contact with an irritant or allergen that produces eczema. This includes things like jewelry, soap, food, clothing, perfume, plants and sweat. When a toddler comes into contact with the source of the eczema, he may have blisters, flaky skin, red itchy patches, swelling, burning or stinging. The symptoms depend on what he came into contact with. Skin Care Physicians says that younger people suffer from this type of eczema because their immune systems are still maturing. Treatment includes avoidance of the offending items, medication and lotions and creams.
Seborrheic Dermatitis
According to Skin Care Physicians, seborrheic dermatitis begins in infancy and can continue into the toddler years, although with proper care, many parents notice it clears up around a child's first birthday. However, when it continues in toddlers, it can cause oily, flaky and crusty skin. This type of eczema presents where there are oil glands in the skin. It can show up on the scalp, eyebrows, upper lip, ears and nose. In infants and toddlers, seborrheic dermatitis is also called cradle cap when it is present on the scalp. It is treated with a mild shampoo to help loosen and brush off the scales, but some toddlers will need medication. Treatment elsewhere on the body is done with topical medications.
