This article on eczema gives parents great information on the types of eczema, as well as the signs, symptoms and treatment for eczema.
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What is eczema?
Eczema is inflammation of the skin, which causes redness, swelling and itchiness.
It is a chronic condition, which may last for a short time or in some cases for many years.
Eczema is also known as atopic dermatitis.
There are 3 types of eczema:
- Infantile eczema usually begins before 6 months and can continue until 5 years of age.
- Childhood eczema may continue on from infantile eczema, or may start at 2-4 years, continuing through primary school.
- Adult eczema which usually resolves in middle / old age.
Children with eczema often have other allergic disorders, such as asthma and hayfever. They often have a family history of reacting to factors in the environment, such as dust, pets, pollen and chemicals. Eczema is very common; it affects 1 in 5 people at some point in their lifetime.
What are the signs and symptoms of eczema?
The symptoms of eczema are very mild in some children (possibly a bit of redness on the skin behind the ears) and severe in other children (affecting their entire body and their whole family’s way of life).
- Infantile eczema presents as a red rash (which may weep) and heavy scaling on the skin
- Childhood eczema presents as a rash on the face, neck and typically in the skin folds of joints, such as knees and elbows.
- In adult eczema there are areas of red itchy skin, which may weep. Again it is common in elbow and knees, as well as other areas such as the neck and wrists.
What is the treatment for eczema?
Eczema is often managed by the family, with support from GPs and Specialist Dermatologists, when necessary.
- Steroid creams may be prescribed, using the lowest dose possible.
- Antihistamines may be used - some are sedating, which are suitable for night time only.
- Weeping, oozing and crusting may suggest the presence of secondary infection, which will need treating with antibiotics.
- Many natural health therapies (e.g. reflexology and homeopathy) offer help and support in controlling asthma.
See below ("What can I do?") for tips on managing infant / childhood eczema.
Risks and complications of eczema
The main risk is aggravating the eczema with a skin infection, which in turn becomes difficult to heal. Cold sores and chicken pox should be avoided wherever possible.
What can I do to help my child with eczema?
- Identify triggers - things that aggravate your child’s eczema- then try to minimise their contact with them (eg. cigarette smoke, pollen, dust)
- If the eczema is allergy related, then certain foods may need to be eliminated from the child’s diet - the most common are eggs, fish, peanuts, milk and soy.
- In infantile eczema, breastfeeding mothers may need to eliminate foods such as eggs or cow’s milk.
- Breastfeed your children for as long as possible - at least 6 months exclusive feeding - if you have a family history of allergies.
- Dress your child in loose cotton clothing, avoiding seams or elastic over the areas of skin that are particularly prone to inflammation.
- Avoid hot baths and showers.
- Use soap substitutes and moisturisers, which can be recommended by your pharmacist/ natural therapist
- Lubricate the skin within a few minutes after bathing, to lock in the moisture on the skin.
- Try to prevent scratching - cotton mittens or socks worn on the hands at night, oatmeal baths, antihistamines if necessary and keep nails short.
- Eczema can be worsened by stress - try calming, soothing measures to calm your child such as stories and warm baths.
Helpful Websites and Articles
For information on how parents can help with eczema and other allergies visit our Kiwi Families article Common Allergies
Eczema is often associated with other conditions, such as Asthma - this articles gives great information and advice
www.allergy.org.nz
This contains helpful information for families affected by allergies
Paula Skelton is a qualified nurse and midwife, a midwifery and childbirth educator, and the mum of three lovely girls.
Article Eczema written by Paula Skelton.