Understanding Infantile Eczema

Thousands of children all over North America are afflicted with a common skin condition, infantile eczema. Having a rash in childhood is relatively common and the itch can be irritating but with infantile eczema, it's aggressive and the child scratches profusely making things worse. Eczema is a general terms that refers to several skin conditions. The skin turns red, gets irritated and sometimes, in more extreme cases, there are fluid-filled bumps. Atopic dermatitis is the medical term for infantile eczema.

How do children contract get this condition? Are there symptoms and if a child gets it, how long will it last? There are many ways to view this affliction which include prevention and treatment.

So, how do kids get this condition? Infantile eczema occurs for several reasons. Genetics plays a role. Parents with asthma or hay fever more often than not, have children with infantile eczema. Scented laundry detergent, soaps, synthetic material on the skin, overheating, and metal clasps touching the skin are many ways this can flare. Generally between the ages of 2 and 6 months old is when this develops. It's important to remember that this skin condition is not contagious.

The first sign that there might be eczema is dry, itchy skin. Rashes develop on the cheeks is the next sign that a baby might be getting infantile eczema and then this rash spreads down the neck toward the abdomen. As they grow older, the eczema appears behind the knees, as well as on the arms and wrists.

Infantile eczema goes into remission and symptoms may even disappear for months or years at a time. For many children, it starts to improve by the age of 6 and may experience flare-ups throughout the rest of their life. For some kids, this condition may improve then return at the onset of puberty.

There is no foolproof way to prevent eczema but there are some things a parent can do. Avoiding possible triggers is the best way to try to prevent infantile eczema. Things like pollen, mold, dry winter air, harsh or perfumed soaps and detergents, tobacco smoke, sweating, excessive heat are some of the ways to help prevent eczema. Many scientists are of the mindset that all eczema is inherited and can not be prevented.

Topical corticosteroids are commonly used in treatment as well as steroid creams. Non-steroid medications are options and sometimes antihistamines are prescribed to help reduce the itching.

Eczema is common, yet easily treated and children need not suffer. There are options. Ask your family physician what is best for your child.

Baby eczema doesn't have to keep your little one a prisoner. Please check out eczema skin care to find info on infantile eczema and additional information on tips for dealing with their eczema allergies.

Post Footer automatically generated by Add Post Footer Plugin for wordpress.

Tags: , , , , ,

October 21 2009 | Skin Care | No Comments »