How to Treat & Control Eczema Rashes in Children?

Eczema is a common condition that affects kids where the skin becomes red, dry, inflamed, itchy and bumpy. There are many different types of eczema but the common type is known as atopic dermatitis. In addition, eczema most commonly affects children below 5 years and as early as in the first six months.

If you are living in Powai or Mumbai and your child is suffering from eczema, do not worry. Visit Dr. Pallavi Sule, one of the leading and best cosmetic dermatologist doctors in Powai with many years of experience. For more details, contact us today.

Eczema symptoms may lead to pain, discomfort, and sleep interruption and may impact mood.

As eczema is caused due to weak immune system, severe forms of allergies, skin breakdown and blisters may occur in some cases. Although eczema clears up during childhood in most cases, sometimes it can cause persist even later in life. But the eczema symptoms are treatable and preventable with proper treatment.

Find out more about eczema in kids, symptoms, causes, treatment, skin care tips and much more below. 

Eczema in Infants, Toddlers and Older Children

Eczema skin condition appears differently and shows varying symptoms in infants, toddlers and older children. Moreover, the location of eczema also changes with age. So, here are a few things you can expect from eczema affecting kids.

Infants – In infants up to six months old, you will find eczema affecting the face, cheeks, forehead, chin and scalp. It is possible that eczema may spread to other body parts. But the diaper area generally isn’t affected due to moisture in the skin. The overall skin appearance also can be reddish in nature.

Babies – Babies from the age of 6 to 12 months will have eczema appear in the elbows and knees. These body parts are affected due to kids crawling and rubbing on the ground. In case the eczema is infected pus-filled bumps form on the skin.

Toddlers – Red patches and bumps often appear on the face of toddlers aged between 2 to 5 years. Other places where eczema affects include elbow and knee creases, wrists, ankles, mouth, eyelids and hands. Additionally, the skin may feel dry and scaly in toddlers.

Children up to 5 years and above – In children up to 5 years and above, eczema will appear in the folds of elbows and knees. It is important to note that majority of children have hand eczema at this age which can be chronic in nature. Therefore, special and effective child hand eczema treatment would be necessary. Other parts generally found to be affected are behind the ear, feet and scalp.

Toddler Eczema Causes & Symptoms

So what causes eczema in children? Well, the answer is not quite simple. According to researchers and experts, the exact cause of eczema is yet unclear. Many medical professionals are of the opinion that the number of factors combined together may cause eczema in kids. Some of them are listed below.

Genetics – Kids who have a family history of different conditions such as eczema, asthma or different types of allergies are more prone to suffer from eczema.

Immune System – When the immune system due to some unknown reason or outside factor overreacts, it leads to an aggressive response causing eczema flare-ups.

Environmental Factors – Environmental allergens, pollutants and infections can cause eczema. Plus, some research suggests temperature change, sweating and heat, and stress can also lead to this skin condition in kids.

Symptoms most commonly found include rashes, itchy skin, dry skin, fluid from scratched skin and skin infections.

Eczema Diagnosis

Doctors will first take a good look at the rashes and investigate the symptoms present. Furthermore, the past medical history and family history will be studied. As discussed before, genetics is one of the main causes of eczema.

The second step will be to eliminate other possible diseases or conditions causing the symptoms to appear in kids. Sometimes, experts will recommend avoiding certain foods and use of soaps or cleansers to ascertain if the skin is allergic to something or not.

Eczema Treatment for Children

At the outset, it is essential to note that there is no cure for eczema. However, symptoms can be treated and prevented from affecting the kids. Depending on the age, location and severity of the condition, several treatment options could be suggested. It includes:

• Moisturizers
• Corticosteroids
• Anti-inflammatory Medicines
• Anti-allergy Medicines

Other possible treatment approach includes phototherapy, wet wraps, and bleach baths.

Best Dermatology Clinic Centre in Powai

Dr. Pallavi Sule is one of the leading dermatologists in Powai who is well-equipped and has expertise in how to treat eczema in babies. She has successfully treated countless patients with skin diseases and related conditions. For more details about the treatment approach, contact us today.