Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a widespread skin condition in children that causes dry, itchy areas. Scratching the dry skin causes bleeding in the impacted area, common among young kids. Eczema can affect any region of the body. However, it is more frequent on stretched skin (e.g., the back of elbows and front of knees).
Eczema is not contagious and does not create an infection, but scratching for lengthy periods can enable bacteria to penetrate the skin and develop an infection. Eczema is caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Humidity and heat
- Abrasive clothing
- Chemicals and tobacco smoke
- Certain detergents and soaps
Indications of Eczema
Eczema in babies usually begins as dry, scaly, itchy skin on the cheeks and scalp. It can also be red, scaly, and oozy in appearance. Itching is a condition that comes and goes. Rashes in the skin folds of older children, like the creases of the knees and elbows, are often itchy, red, and scaly.
Cheeks
Whenever a baby develops eczema on their face, an irritating rash on the cheeks is most likely to appear first. The rash is typically dry and scaly, with blisters and breaks that leave a crusty covering. Due to the stress, the infant may become irritable or struggle to relax or sleep.
Chin
The chin might be affected by an eczema rash that spreads to other parts of the face. Eczema rashes are normally highly itchy; therefore, if a baby isn’t scratching their chin, the rash could be caused by chewing drool. When an eczema rash breaks open, fluid leaks out dries, and croutons over.
Forehead and scalp
A caregiver may observe a behavioral change in a newborn with eczema on the forehead or scalp at first. To relieve the itching, the baby may scratch its head against carpets or other household items. Dry, itchy scales appear on an eczema rash, which may rupture and leak fluid. A crust forms as the liquid dries.
When Should You Consult a Physician?
If self-care techniques don’t work or the problem intensifies or escalates, consult your pediatrician or a dermatologist for eczema treatment for kids. Topical and oral eczema medicines include:
- Treating active regions of localized eczema with topical steroid creams or ointments. The face can be treated with lower-strength steroids, whereas the trunk and extremities can be treated with medium- to high-strength steroids.
- Because topical steroids can cause skin thinning, they should be used with caution in skin folds and blocked regions.
- Itching can be relieved with antihistamines taken orally.
- Antibiotics, either topical or oral, may be administered if suspected superimposed infection.
Takeaway
It’s critical to treat your child’s eczema as soon as you see it since this will help avoid the problem from progressing and becoming more difficult to cure. Eczema makes it very easy for bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens to enter the body. Thus, kids with eczema are more vulnerable to skin problems.
Schedule an appointment with Blossom Pediatric if you notice an outbreak on your baby’s skin, including pus-filled boils, sores, or yellowish-orange scabs, or if you have concerns about treating your child’s eczema.