Eczema is a catch-all term for a type of inflammatory skin disorder that typically affects young children. Between 10 and 20 percent of children have atopic dermatitis, the most prevalent cause of eczema, while only one to three percent of adults develop the condition, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). While eczema symptoms are typically seen on the arms and behind the knees, as the MayoClinic.com explains, flare-ups on a child's face are not unusual.
Symptoms
Small red bumps on a child's cheeks, forehead and scalp are a common symptom of eczema on the face of children less than five years of age, states the Nemours Foundation. Itchy, red, dry patches of skin sometimes appear on the face as well, notes the AAD. Facial skin may also appear thickened and cracked. Eczema bumps on the face are known to "weep," as well, or ooze fluids that dry into a crust. When children scratch their face, symptomatic areas are likely to become more red, raw and sensitive.
Causes
Underlying causes of atopic dermatitis and eczema are unknown. However, eczema breakouts on a child's face invariably have triggers that vary between individuals. Common triggers include dry skin and air, perspiration, abrupt changes in atmospheric temperature, stress, pollen, mold, dander, dust, itchy or synthetic fabrics, smoke, harsh soaps and skin care products that contain alcohol, dairy products, shellfish, nuts, eggs, soy, wheat, tomatoes and other acidic foods. There are risk factors associated with development of eczema. It is seen most often in children with allergies and whose close relatives have a predisposition toward allergies and hay fever, according to MayoClinic.com.
Diagnosis
There is no test to definitively identify eczema on a child's face. Diagnosis relies on a dermatologist's consideration of a child's symptoms, medical history and conditions found in immediate relatives. This can be tricky, as the Nemours Foundation explains, because the severity, frequency and even the type of symptoms vary on a child-to-child basis. Also, other conditions that produce similar symptoms on the scalp and face can be mistakenly identified as eczema, including psoriasis, contact dermatitis and seborrheic dermatitis.
Lifestyle Prevention/Treatment
There is much overlap in the prevention and treatment of eczema breakouts on a child's face. Most important for prevention and accelerating the treatment of flare-ups is avoidance of personal triggers. Skin should not be rubbed or scratched, advises the American Academy of Family Physicians, and keeping a child's fingernails short helps prevent too much scratching. Hot baths or showers can trigger and worsen the condition, so water should be lukewarm and only mild, moisturizing soaps should be used. A cool, wet compress and use of a humidifier is also beneficial, notes MayoClinic.com.
Medication
Several medications help treat eczema on the face. Over-the-counter moisturizers are essential, and should be applied liberally and frequently. While topical corticosteroids are a standard eczema treatment, they are generally not applied to the face. However, oral corticosteroids are another option for reducing inflammation in severe cases, notes MayoClinic.com. Topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are another alternative for the face. Immunomodulators help control symptoms in children over two years of age. In addition, antihistamines can suppress itching. When eczema breakouts become infected, antibiotics treat the infection.
