Eczema in Children

Eczema is a condition that causes areas of the skin to become dry, pink or red, itchy and flaky.

Atopic Eczema (also known as ‘Atopic Dermatitis’) is the most common form of eczema in Children. ‘Atopic’ means sensitivity to allergens. Eczema often occurs in children with allergies or alongside other conditions such as asthma or hey-fever.

As children get older many of them will naturally grow out of atopic dermatitis but it’s impossible to say what age that will be.

Just like asthma, common things that trigger allergic reactions in children with eczema are:

• Soaps & washing detergents
• Pollens
• Dust mites
• Pets/Animals (fur, hair and saliva)

If you have an allergy, your immune system can overreact to something it has identified as an invader or allergen. The immune system produces antibodies, which release chemicals and in turn cause an allergic reaction.

Treatments include regular skin-care routines such as applying daily moisturizers to help soothe the eczema and prevent ‘flare-ups’. Steroid creams and lotions are often used alongside these moisturizers in helping to reduce the itching and inflammation as well as preventative creams to help stop symptoms recurring.

To gain more information on eczema visit the National Eczema Society website

www.eczema.org