Eczema can be debilitating for children and parents alike. The key to living with eczema effectively is getting those nasty flare-ups under control. Eczema is a common skin disorder in infants and children that causes dry, itchy and inflammatory patches of skin. The itch can be so bothersome that it prevents sleep for both you and your child. Research has found that eczema is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Skin cells don’t react as they should when something outside the body activates the immune system, triggering flare-ups. Although the earliest skin lesions may show before a baby is six months old, eczema is most typically diagnosed before the age of five.
Types of eczema
How you treat eczema all depends on which type of eczema your child presents with, and these can include:
- Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis is a skin disorder that causes itching and redness. Atopic dermatitis is a long-term condition that flares up from time to time. Asthma or hay fever can accompany atopic dermatitis. A cure for atopic dermatitis has yet to be discovered. - Contact Dermatitis
A red, itchy rash generated by direct contact with a substance or an allergic reaction to a substance is known as contact dermatitis. Although the rash isn’t contagious or life-threatening, it can be quite unpleasant. - Dyshidrotic Eczema
Dyshidrotic eczema is characterised by a rapid rash of tiny, painful blisters on the palms and sides of the fingers. Blisters might form on the soles of your feet or your toes due to this skin condition. - Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis primarily affects the scalp and is a common skin condition. The symptoms include skin inflammation, dandruff, and scaly spots. Seborrheic dermatitis affects parts of the body that are oily, such as the face, sides of the nose, eyebrows, ears, eyelids, and chest. - Neurodermatitis
Neurodermatitis is a skin condition that causes chronic itchiness and scaling. Raised, rough, itchy skin is most commonly found on the neck, wrists, forearms, legs, or anal region. - Nummular Eczema
Nummular eczema, sometimes called nummular dermatitis or discoid eczema, is a chronic but curable skin condition that forms coin-shaped patches. - Stasis Dermatitis
Venous stasis dermatitis occurs when your veins, commonly in your lower legs, have a condition that prevents blood from flowing freely. Some blood leaks out of your veins and into your skin when the liquids and pressure build up. This can cause discolouration and itching.