In infants, outbreaks of eczema may first appear between birth and three months. With proper treatment, those outbreaks will eventually disappear, but the potential for future outbreaks will always remain. For children, then, prevention is the key to keeping these uncomfortable, dry, itchy patches at bay. While many children outgrow eczema, for some it can last into adolescence or adulthood.
The American Academy of Dermatology estimates that 10 to 20 percent of children worldwide have eczema and affects up to 20 percent of babies. But it can be controlled by preventing and treating outbreaks as soon as they appear. To prevent your child from scratching the rash, it may help to keep your baby's nails short or put on cotton gloves during sleep. Have your baby examined if the condition persists or if the rash is purple, scabs, and cries or has blisters.
A child who has a fever and a rash may also need to be evaluated. Talk to your doctor about using a medicated cream or ointment or trying bleach baths to relieve symptoms. Use medicines and bleach baths with the guidance of your pediatrician. Most children outgrow childhood eczema by age 3 to 5.It's hard to predict which children will outgrow the condition and which ones will get eczema as adults.
Infections that children with eczema often get are caused by germs that usually live harmlessly on everyone's skin. However, these symptoms can be treated, and many babies and children outgrow the dry, itchy skin of atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema. Your pediatrician and pediatric dermatologist can help you manage your child's eczema symptoms with a good treatment plan and healthy skin maintenance routine. Help prevent or treat eczema by keeping your child's skin from drying out or itching and avoiding triggers that cause breakouts.
Now that you know a little about eczema, what causes outbreaks and the difference between eczema in infants, children and adults, let's turn our attention to treatment and prevention. In infants and toddlers, eczema is usually found on the face, outside the elbows, and on the knees. Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a common skin problem that can affect newborns, infants, children, and adults. To reduce possible skin irritation, babies and children with eczema should wear only cotton garments or other natural fibers next to the skin, with the exception of wool, of course.
Eczema patches can also cry, develop cracks, and even bleed, especially if your child scratches a lot. Atopic dermatitis is a chronic condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is most common in infants and young children but can persist into adulthood in some cases. The condition is characterized by redness, itching, dryness and inflammation of the skin which can lead to discomfort for those affected by it.
The best way to manage eczema in babies is through prevention. Keeping your baby's skin moisturized is key to preventing flare-ups as dry skin can worsen symptoms. Avoiding irritants such as harsh soaps and detergents as well as extreme temperatures can also help reduce outbreaks of eczema in babies. Additionally, keeping your baby's nails short can help prevent them from scratching their skin which can lead to infection or further irritation of the rash.
If your baby's eczema does not improve with home treatment or medical treatment prescribed by your doctor then you may need to seek further medical advice from a dermatologist who specializes in treating this condition in infants and young children. Eczema is a common condition that affects many people worldwide but it does not have to be a life-long condition for your baby if you take steps to prevent flare-ups and treat them quickly when they do occur.
