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What are the symptoms of eczema? Symptoms can begin from two months but most children find it subsides by the time they're three, although they may continue to suffer throughout adolescence and into adulthood.
It is characterised by patches of red, scaly, itchy or weeping skin. If your baby's diagnosed with eczema, you might find it appears on the most commonly affected areas (including the face, neck folds, armpits, groin and nappy area. In some cases it can spread to the arms and legs).
Eczema affected skin is usually very dry and less elastic than normal skin. Fine invisible cracks appear in the skin when your baby moves which allow bacteria in. This causes the skin to become inflamed and causes irritation. The cracks can deepen and become open, weeping patches. Keeping skin well-moisturised (using a non-perfumed, hypoallergenic emollient cream) can help to combat these problems.
What are the symptoms?Patches of bright red, scaly rash. Often appears on the cheeks first
Small fluid filled blisters that appear just under the skin (called papules)
Broken or weeping skin that crusts over in a scab
Severe itchiness
Loss of appetite
Your baby may be grizzly, seem unhappy, or cry more
Tell me more
Who gets it? Although any child may suffer with eczema, children whose family have a history of allergic reactions, asthma and hay fever are more prone to the condition. It's rare to be born with the eczema (although some children are); usually the first attack appears between two and six months old. In about half of reported cases, the condition subsides at 18 months. Most children stop experiencing attacks by age three, but some children will have episodes into adolescence. What causes it? Allergens – most children with eczema are allergic to something in their environment and the reaction shows in a skin rash. This could be something they eat, wear or are exposed to, including pets and dust mites in the home.
Digestive problems – if the culprit is something your child is eating, excluding it from their diet may help. Cows milk is a common irritant, but other foods such as eggs, soy and wheat could also be to blame. A nutritionist can help you plan your child’s diet safely. If you are breastfeeding, you may need to alter your own diet.
Soaps – biological soap powders can irritate your baby’s skin. If this is the case the eczema will usually appear where clothes are in contact with the skin.
Woollen clothing – heavy, hot clothes can cause a flare-up. Stick to light, breathable cotton clothes as heat and sweating will make the itching worse and irritate the skin more.
Contact dermatitis can be caused by contact with metals such as nickel, found in some jewellery, zips, belts and buttons, detergents, lanolin and perfume. Remove any such things from your baby’s clothes.
Excessive bathing can dry the skin.
What treatments are available? Antihistamines:Help your child’s body to counter an allergic reaction and reduce the itchyness and scratching.
Antibiotics:If the skin gets infected, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to fight the infection. These won't treat the underlying cause of the eczema, only the secondary infection.
Steroid creams (Hydrocortisone):If the irritation is so bad your baby can't sleep at night and is in distress, you may be offered a steroid based cream to combat the rash. Side effects associated with using these include a thinning of the skin and photosensitivity (increased reaction to sunlight). These shouldn't be used on your baby's face without your doctor’s express recommendation.
Simple moisturising creams and emollients (oily treatments that can also be added to bathwater) Bathing your baby daily can actually dry out their skin more, so always use a soap free lotion to wash her with and bathe her in a luke warm bath. Follow every bath by patting her dry and applying a generous amount of hypoallergenic moisturiser. Aqueous cream or vitamin E creams are very gentle. Always avoid perfumed creams, soaps and bubble baths. Ask your GP or pharmacist for their recommendations.
Diet planning with a nutritionistOften eczema is not triggered by something the skin has come into contact with, but as an allergic reaction to something your baby has eaten or inhaled. In later life children sensitive to allergens may find that the eczema disappears but asthma develops in its place. If you think that your baby’s diet may be to blame consult a qualified nutritionist to gradually eliminate certain foods. It is important to do this with a professional so that your baby does not miss out on important nutrients. If you are breastfeeding exclusively you can try the elimination diet yourself, but be aware it will take several weeks before any food group you eliminate disappears from your milk and your baby’s digestive system.
Natural treatmentsMany children could benefit from a natural treatment for their eczema rather than steroid or antihistamine preparations. Because the causes of eczema are often internal, addressing the health of the digestive tract can be particularly beneficial. Chinese medicine may have a positive effect for some sufferers but (as with all alternative remedies) take care when choosing your practitioner that they are registered. Acupuncture and homeopathy also provide recognised treatments. Discuss your options in full with a registered alternative therapist before you make your decision.
What will my doctor do?
Your doctor'll guide you through the best way to bathe your baby and how to dress the sore skin. He'll recommend a cream to keep your baby’s skin moisturised and talk about the possible triggers for the condition. Feather duvets and pillows, pets, detergents and woollen clothing can be irritants for small children. But there are ways of keeping your house free from the majority of these things which he can talk you through.
If the condition is persistent or gets worse, he may suggest eliminating certain foods from your baby’s diet, or recommend a nutritionist who you can plan this with.
In serious cases your doctor may decide to prescribe steroid creams to treat the topical reaction. Be aware that these'll rarely treat the cause of the eczema. Although they may make your baby more comfortable, long term use is associated with harmful side effects. This would be a good time to discuss with your GP the possibility of seeking a natural alternative treatment.
If you decide to try alternative therapy with your child, you should always inform your GP of your decision. Doing this'll make sure that any prescriptions your GP has given you for your baby will not be affected by another treatment, and in the future he will know what treatments have been effective.
Natural therapies have a good reputation for treating recurrent eczema but be aware that with these remedies the condition may get worse before it gets better. Treatment can initially cause the rashes to increase which can be difficult to cope with. Although unpleasant at the time, it may be worth pursuing if it means you manage to avoid a lifetime of uncomfortable break-outs, but pursue any course of treatment with caution and guidance.
Who can I turn to for support?
The National Eczema SocietyInformation for sufferers and carers of those with the condition.Address: Hill House, Highgate Hill, London, N19 5NAPhone number: 02072813604Helpline: 08702413604www.eczema.org
Under My SkinWebsite dedicated to informing sufferers and carers of those with eczema.www.undermyskin.co.uk
talk eczemaSite for sufferes and carers of those with eczema including information on treatments and a message board communitywww.talkeczema.com
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