Eczema Specialist

What is eczema?

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a skin condition causing itchiness, redness, and often irritation. 

It’s common among children but can develop at any age. Seeking treatment for children with eczema is the best way to make their skin healthier and reduce unpleasant symptoms associated with the condition. 

What are the symptoms of eczema?

Common signs and symptoms linked with eczema include:

• Dry skin
• Itchy skin
• Red, brown, or gray skin patches
• Tiny red bumps on skin
• Cracked or scaly skin
• Thickened skin
• Skin swelling

Eczema often begins before age five and can persist into the teenage years or adulthood. Complications with untreated eczema include skin infections, sleeping difficulty, and reduced quality of life.

What are the risk factors for eczema?

While anyone can develop eczema, certain factors boost the risk of experiencing it. Examples include genetics, personal or family history of eczema, allergies, asthma, and hay fever. The cause of eczema isn’t entirely clear, however.

Ways to reduce the risk of developing eczema include keeping your child’s skin moisturized and avoiding irritants like certain soaps, foods, perfumes, and detergents. In addition, limit showers and baths to 10-15 minutes to reduce skin dryness and use warm water rather than hot water.

How does my doctor diagnose eczema?

Your Neighborhood Pediatrics provider discusses your child’s medical history and symptoms to diagnose eczema and develop a treatment plan. Then, they examine the skin in areas containing signs of eczema or other skin problems. 

The team might also use patch testing or other diagnostic tests to rule out or detect skin diseases and eczema triggers.

What are common treatments for eczema?

If your child has eczema, their pediatrician could recommend one or more of the following treatments:

Lifestyle changes

Lifestyle changes that may reduce eczema flare-ups include:

• Stress and anxiety reduction
• Keeping skin moisturized
• Using over-the-counter itch creams
• Taking allergy medications
• Using a humidifier
• Wearing comfortable clothing that's not scratchy, rough, or tight

Medications

Taking oral medications or using prescription creams can reduce eczema symptoms and improve the health and appearance of your child’s skin.

Dressings

Using wet dressings means wrapping the affected area with topical medicines and wet bandages.

If your child has uncomfortable or embarrassing eczema and wants relief, call the Neighborhood Pediatrics office or schedule an appointment online today.