Signs & Symptoms
The skin affected by eczema is usually red, dry, scaly and very itchy. The front of the elbows, the back of the knees, the neck and the face are the areas that are most often affected.
Top
What causes it
Many factors are involved in this. There is usually a genetic element, meaning that either parent has a history of eczema, or some other allergic condition.
Eczema is also affected by the environment, such as the weather, emotions, irritants and bacteria. Simply put, your child has "sensitive skin". The cells in his skin are over-reactive, and are triggered by different factors to multiply and move to the surface, where they cause the redness and itching.
The skin is easily aggravated by a variety of factors including change of environmental temperature, synthetic/woollen clothes, soaps, dog and cat fur and emotional stress. Eczematous skin is more prone to developing secondary bacterial and viral infections.
This condition has a genetic basis and is often associated with a family history of eczema, hayfever or asthma.
Top
About the condition
Eczema is a chronic, itchy, dry disorder of the skin. It is also known as atopic dermatitis. It is more common in young children, and tends to get better as the child grows up.
Eczema is a fairly common problem, affecting about 10% of Singapore children. It is not contagious and can be treated. You and your child can learn how to manage it so that the skin is maintained in the best possible condition.
Top
Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Two main areas of therapy are:
- Moisturise, Moisturise, Moisturise. Dry skin is one of the hallmarks of eczema. When the skin is dry, it is prone to itching and cracking, which allows pollutants to enter the skin and worsen the eczema. You should moisturise the skin as often as possible, at least 2 to 3 times per day. For bathing, use mild soaps, pat dry the skin and apply the moisturiser while the skin is still damp. Moisturisers can be applied to all parts of the body, even the face. You can use the moisturiser (such as emollients) recommended by your doctor, or any of the brands available on the market that do not contain alcohol or scents.
- Remove triggers. Woollen clothing may irritate the skin, cotton clothing are more suitable. Detergents and harsh soaps are also irritants, as is a child's saliva. Emotion is another trigger that is difficult to control. If dust mites are a factor, your doctor may recommend using dust-mite proof bedcovers.
Other forms of treatment
Your doctor may sometimes prescribe other medicines. Steroid creams are generally safe and very effective in clearing eczema. They should only be used as prescribed by the doctor as prolonged use may thin the skin.
Doctors also sometimes prescribe topical or oral antibiotics to kill skin bacteria. Oral anti-itch medicines are often used to decrease the itch and help your child sleep at night.
I've done all that, doctor....but
With the above measures, eczema remains under good control most of the time. However, some individuals may experience flares despite following the guidelines. It is important not to lose hope but to remember to continue treatment, especially moisturising. The trigger will usually go away, and your child will experience a remission (will get better). Consult your doctor if you have any worries or questions.
Top
