Eczema is a common skin condition that affects about 10 percent of children and infants, according to the National Eczema Association. KidsHealth explains that eczema is an allergic condition that causes skin inflammation. It can cause discomfort in children and should be assessed by a pediatrician for proper treatment.
Cause
According to AskDrSears, eczema is a skin condition caused by dry skin and allergens. Eczema flare-ups are caused by triggers, commonly dry skin and other allergies to dust, pet dander or mold. Dry skin irritates the skin, breaking the protective layer of the skin and triggers eczema. Allergies to food products, environmental substances and certain medications can cause an eczema outbreak. According to the National Eczema Association, it's not clear why the cells in the skin overreact and cause eczema in some children and not in others.
Symptoms
Most eczema symptoms in children begin in the first few months of life, but will definitely show before the age of 5, according to KidsHealth. The common symptoms include dry skin that is irritated, inflamed, itchy and red. If not treated or scratched, eczema can crack the skin and cause oozing, which can lead to scarring. Eczema can cause leatherlike skin patches and is normally found on the back of the arms, legs and face.
Treatment
Treating eczema in children begins with avoiding dry skin by moisturizing the skin daily, according to AskDrSears. Children should avoid any irritants that could aggravate the skin, such as seasonal allergens, cigarette smoke and excessive heat. Use plain, fragrance-free soaps and detergents and wear loose-fitting clothing on the child. Treat the itching as soon as the child shows signs. Use over-the-counter hydrocortisone creams and talk with the pediatrician about prescribed topical steroid lotions.
Considerations
Most children will outgrow eczema by the time they enter grade school, according to the National Eczema Association. Identifying the triggers that cause the child's eczema is crucial for the appropriate treatment to be implemented. Avoidance and proper daily management are the best ways to prevent an eczema outbreak.
Complications
Eczema in children can lead to skin infections, such as impetigo, making the flare-up worse, according to AskDrSears. A skin infection should be assessed by a doctor and antibiotics will most likely be prescribed to kill the bacterial infection.
