Eczema is one of the most common medical skin conditions, yet you may already have a child with eczema and not know it. The condition still invites a lot of questions, so, for answers, we approached dermatological experts from Elica.
Here are some of the most popular questions about eczema to save yourself from needless worry.
What is eczema?
Ezcema is a skin condition characterized by red, itchy, recurrent rashes. It usually begins in infancy or childhood and may persist until adult years. There are several types of eczema and you can learn all about them here.
How do I know if my child has eczema?
Itchy skin with rashes is just one criteria. Other symptoms include a history of asthma and allergies, habitual skin dryness, and itchy, dry, red and scaly rashes on creases like the elbows, neck, and knees. Check out this chart to see if your child has eczema.
What causes eczema and what makes it worse?
Genetics play a crucial role in your child's risk for eczema, but it's not the only factor. Other things in the environment tend to make it worse such as exposure to animal hair, harsh chemicals, air pollutions, and contact with carpets from areas with poor air circulation. Simple everyday things can also trigger eczema.
How common is eczema in children?
Eczema is more common in babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. On average, there are 15-20% of children with eczema below 7 years old, and 1-3% in adults.
Do all kids with eczema have allergies?
No. While some people tend to think that all eczema is caused by allergies, it is not. There are some forms of eczema which are not caused by allergies to food and other substances.
Do eczema issues improve as my child gets older?
In most cases, it does. However, children with eczema should exercise more caution because they have more sensitive skin compared to other kids.
What is the best way to treat my child's eczema?
Regular application of moisturizers (also known as emollients) specially made for sensitive skin will help keep skin healthy, but when flare-ups strike, you’ll need a medicated cream or ointment like mometasone furoate (Elica). Elica helps relieve symptoms of eczema (itchiness, redness, swelling) with visible results in 24 hours.
How else can I stop the eczema from getting worse?
It's best to treat the rashes before they become worse. Keep your child away from common eczema triggers like dander, harsh cosmetics and sweat.
How can I help my child not to scratch the areas with eczema?
Make sure to apply Elica right away to relieve the itchiness and treat the eczema flare-up. Another tip is to keep your child's hands busy to relieve him or her of the urge to scratch. You can also apply wet wraps on his skin to cool and soothe the itchy areas.
What are potential effects of eczema on my child?
Some effects of eczema include lack of confidence, discomfort, sleep disturbance, and infection. Worried about your child's confidence? Check out these quick ways to cheer your kids up during a bout of eczema.
When should I call a dermatologist?
If the symptoms do not go away or get worse, consider having a dermatologist take a look, so he can provide an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment for your child's condition.
Do you have any more questions about eczema? Click here! Or share your experience on Facebook.
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