Atopic eczema in babies and children

Atopic dermatitis or eczema is a chronic skin disease that is quite common in children : it affects around 15-20% of the child population in Europe and tends to go into remission in adolescence,

Causes of eczema

Atopic dermatitis or eczema has numerous different causes, so one can’t be sure which may be genetic and which may be environmental. So, we only treat visible symptoms of atopic dermatitis: it is the presence of itching, dry skin, redness, and flaking. All these can be controlled by using the proper product that must possess moisturizing and emollient properties and is especially designed for sensitive children’s skin.

Symptoms of atopic eczema in babies and children

Manifestations in children of atopic dermatitis are well known: milky crusts on the face. In the first months of a baby’s life symptoms of atopic dermatitis, most often inhabit convex regions of the body. Head It is perhaps best known; however, the cheek and forehead areas quite often become irritated. The vesicular form with crusts of eczema at this age is predominant, whereas after the age of 2, atopic dermatitis tends to manifest itself mainly with lichenification and scaling, especially on legs, arms, and between skin folds.

Relief from symptoms of atopic dermatitis or atopic eczema

Although there is no cure, there are excellent daily care routines to protect your skin from the manifestations of atopic dermatitis.

The symptoms of atopic dermatitis can be alleviated , but managing atopic dermatitis in children can be a little more difficult than in adults. In fact, young patients tend to resent treatment and do not control themselves when itching occurs. Therefore, treating atopic dermatitis or eczema can create some problems for parents.

At first, parents of children with atopic dermatitis may feel confused about the dosages and methods of administering the treatment. It is not easy to recognize the different stages and symptoms of atopic dermatitis and to understand which creams to use: moist erythematous patches, for example, require different applications than manifestations with lichenification or scaling.

Given the relapsing course and the different lesions that atopic dermatitis can cause, the most appropriate treatment is not always available at home. Therefore, there is often a risk of using the wrong treatment for atopic dermatitis.

This is the reason kids should be placed under closer dermatological observation and be brought to a physician whenever doubts come up concerning the treatment of symptoms with atopic dermatitis.

An additional challenge with atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, is that the symptoms cannot be effectively controlled. Itching is the most typical sign of atopic dermatitis. In most cases, children tend to scratch themselves aggressively, moving the skin over clothing; this action subjects the atopic dermatitis skin to bacteria and results in increased inflammation. The child may not sleep due to severe itching in some severe cases.

To alleviate the symptoms of atopic dermatitis, there are excellent topical emollient and moisturizing creams, but applying them to a child is not always easy. This application is felt as an unpleasant moment or a punishment and faces strong opposition, especially if it is a lengthy process and involves bandages.

To ensure that topical treatment is better received, there are some little tricks that can help the child cope with the situation, transforming the moment of applying the cream into an opportunity for play and for contact between parents and children. The first useful suggestion for treating the symptoms of atopic dermatitis is to avoid spreading the cream directly on the child’s skin : try rubbing it between your hands and applying it with a massage, perhaps starting with the feet and tickling them a little, then moving on to the face, which is the part where most children do not like to be touched.

More severe cases of atopic dermatitis and the atopic march

On the other hand, there are more serious cases in which, in addition to the typical skin lesions, symptoms of atopic dermatitis appear that involve other organs and are associated with bronchial asthma, rhinitis, conjunctivitis and weight loss (the so-called atopic march). To treat the most severe dermatitis, an interdisciplinary approach involving several specialists must be adopted: dermatologist, pediatrician, allergist and gastroenterologist .

Therapeutic educational plan to support families with children who suffer from atopic dermatitis or eczema; courses that could ensure the autonomy of the child as well as the parents regarding managing atopic dermatitis and its symptoms.

Tips for relieving your child’s atopic eczema symptoms

Here are some suggestions and advice that may be useful for you and your family:

  • Daily short baths in warm water (never very hot water) will be beneficial for baby’s skin, and preventing infections is good. Immediately after bathing, moisturizing should be applied to the skin very well and should be kept moist throughout the day. Moisturizing/emollient products can help diminish symptoms such as itching and dryness.
  • Oatmeal added to your baby’s bath soothes and moisturizes the skin. It is essential to prevent your baby from scratching because scratching regularly damages the outer-most layer of the skin, opens gaps for the introduction of irritants into the skin, and thus aggravates the eczema. Putting mittens on your baby, especially at night, ensures your baby sleeps better and prevents the scratch wounds.
  • Store your baby’s moisturizer in the fridge during summertime. Therefore, when you apply the cream, its coolness can be soothing to your baby’s skin.
  • Irritating products, environmental allergens, as well as food allergens must receive special attention. Food allergies may be a contributing factor for the manifestation of eczema, but consult with a doctor before withdrawing any food item from their diet.

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