Eczema is a chronic skin problem that
causes dry, red, itchy skin. It is also called atopic
dermatitis or AD. Anyone can get eczema, but it is
most common in babies to young adults.

Your child’s doctor can help you and your
child relieve the symptoms and keep them under control. The following
information from the American Academy of Pediatrics is about eczema and how to
help your child avoid “the itch.”

Who gets eczema?

Eczema is the most common skin problem treated
by pediatric dermatologists. About 65% of patients develop symptoms
before age 1, and about 90% of them develop symptoms before age 5.
Because eczema is a chronic skin problem, these symptoms can come and go. There
are times when the symptoms are worse (called exacerbations or
flares) followed by times when the skin gets better or
clears up completely (called remissions).

Many babies outgrow eczema by age 4. Some
children outgrow eczema by the time they are young adults, although their skin
remains dry and sensitive. A few may have it all their lives, but there are ways
to relieve the symptoms.

Eczema often runs in families with a history of
eczema or other allergic conditions such as hay fever and asthma. It is not
contagious.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms of eczema are different with each
child. Common symptoms include dry, red, itchy skin and rashes. These rashes can
be oozing or very dry.

Eczema can appear anywhere on the body or in
just a few areas. In babies, a rash often appears on the face and scalp. In
teens and young adults, a rash often appears on the hands and feet.

How to prevent flare-ups

One of the most helpful things you can do is to
prevent flare-ups before they happen.

• Keep your child’s skin
  moisturized. Moisturizing should be a part of your child’s daily
  treatment plan.

  • – Use fragrance-free
    moisturizers. Cream or ointment is more moisturizing than
    lotion.

  • – After a bath, gently
    pat the skin with a towel and then apply moisturizer to the damp
    skin.

  • – Apply moisturizer at
    least once a day or more often if needed. Moisturizer should be
    applied to the face and entire body.

• Avoid irritants. People who are
  sensitive to scratchy fabrics or chemicals in soaps and detergents
  should

  • – Wear soft fabrics such
    as 100% cotton clothing.

  • – Use mild,
    fragrance-free body cleansers.

  • – Take short baths with
    room temperature water.

  • – Use mild laundry
    detergent with no dyes or perfumes.

  • – Skip using fabric
    softener in the dryer.

• Remind your child not to scratch.
  Scratching can make the rash worse and lead to infection. Also, the more
  your child scratches, the more itchy the area will be. Keep your
  child’s fingernails short and smooth, and try to distract your
  child from scratching.

• Ask your child’s doctor if
  allergies could be a cause of the eczema. Sometimes allergies, such as
  ones to food, pets, pollens, or dust mites (in bedding), can trigger the
  rash or make it worse. If your child’s eczema is caused by an
  allergy, avoid the trigger, if possible.

• Ask your child’s doctor about
  other things that can trigger a flare-up. These things include
  overheating or sweating and stress.

Use of medicines

Your child’s doctor may recommend
medicines to help your child feel better and to keep the symptoms of eczema
under control. The type of medicine recommended will depend on how severe the
eczema is and where it appears on the body. The medicine can be given in 2 ways:
applied to the skin (topical) or taken by mouth (oral). Topical medicines are
available as creams or ointments; oral medicines are available in pill or liquid
form.

Medicines that only a doctor (and some other
health professionals) can order are called prescription medicines.
Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines are available without a doctor’s order.
This does not mean that OTCs are harmless. Like prescription medicines, OTCs can
be very dangerous to a child if not taken the right way.

Before you give your child any medicines, be
sure you know how to give them. Talk with your child’s doctor if you have
questions or concerns about giving your child medicines.

Remember

Eczema is a chronic skin problem, so it can come
and go. It requires ongoing management by you, your child, and your
child’s doctor. If your child’s eczema is not improving, talk with
your child’s doctor about your concerns.

For more information

American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology

www.aaaai.org

American Academy of Dermatology

www.aad.org

American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology

www.acaai.org

National Eczema Association

www.nationaleczema.org

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin
Diseases

www.niams.nih.gov

Listing of resources does not imply an endorsement
by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). The AAP is not responsible for the
content of external resources. Information was current at the time of
publication.