Eczema is a chronic skin condition that affects one out of 10 children. The hands are a common area for eczema since they're often exposed and vulnerable to eczema triggers. If you suspect your child has eczema, consult with your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Identification
Eczema on your child's hand can vary widely in appearance depending on the severity of the condition. Eczema on the hands of a child younger than 2 may appear as small fluid-filled bumps that ooze. The skin will be inflamed, red and itchy. The skin may have brown spots and begin to thicken due to excessive scratching of the itchy hands. Scratching makes the condition worse. As your child gets older, the eczema will appear less scaly and will ooze less. The appearance of eczema tends to improve as your child gets older. If contact dermatitis is causing the irritation, a rash will be present after your child touches an irritant.
Cause
The cause of eczema is unknown, but it tends to be most common in children who have asthma or hay fever or have family members with these conditions. There are several triggers that can worsen eczema, such as temperature extremes, water, soaps, dry air, pet dander, stress and rough materials like wool. Dry skin tends to be most affected by eczema symptoms.
Treatment
The most common treatment for eczema is topical corticosteroids. There are non-steroidal options available as well. Cold compresses and antihistamines can be used to relieve itching. Cutting your child's nails regularly will make your child less likely to scratch his hands and worsen the symptoms. There are several over-the-counter medications available that offer limited relief. Keep the skin moisturized to reduce symptoms.
Prevention
There are several steps you can take to prevent inflammation on your child's hands from eczema. Teach your child to avoid plants with fuzzy leaves and stems since these can cause a flare-up of eczema symptoms. Have your child take short, cool baths instead of long, hot baths. Once your child gets out of the bathtub, pat him dry with a towel and apply a non-fragranced moisturizer while the skin is still damp. Run a humidifier in your home to keep the air moisturized and prevent dry skin.
