Eczema
What Is Atopic Eczema?
Atopic eczema is a common dermatitis in children with sensitive skin, where the protective skin barrier function is impaired. It runs in families, especially those with asthma and allergic hay fever. It is believed that genes play a role.
What Does Eczema Look Like?
In babies, it is on the face and joints, like elbow and knee joints. The skin becomes itchy, red, swollen with small blisters. If the child scratches, it becomes sore and broken. The skin bleeds and gets infected by bacteria. Even after it heals, it tends to recur.
What Causes It?
- Dry skin
- Infections : flu, skin infection
- Allergy to food or things e.g. egg, milk, peanuts, shrimp, colouring, preservatives, perfume
- Dust mites
- Physical environment : heat, sweating
General Treatment Advice
- Use mild soap, plenty of moisturisers. Bubble bath is to be avoided.
- Reduce level of dust. Avoid fluffy toys, carpets
- Use specific creams for eczema (e.g. mild steroid cream to clear the rash)
- Give an antihistamine to help your child to reduce the itch
- Treat other problems like allergy and infection (with antibiotics)
- See the same doctor for follow up and consultation
Remember
- Avoid hot weather
- Use mild soap and avoid hot showers
- Always put on plenty of moisturiser
- Do not scratch
- Wear light cotton clothes
- Keep away from fluffy toys, carpets and dust
- Avoid allergic foods such as eggs and peanuts
- Use medicated creams (e.g. mild steroid creams)
- See a doctor if the rashes get worse