Eczema |
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DESCRIPTION
CAUSE Eczema is an inherited type of sensitive, dry skin. A personal history of asthma or hay fever or a family history of eczema makes it more likely that your child has eczema. Flare-ups can occur when there is contact with irritating substances (for example, soap or chlorine.) In 30% of infants with more severe eczema, certain foods can cause the eczema to flare-up. Milk, egg, soy, wheat, and peanuts cause a majority of the flare-ups in eczema- but other foods can also be involved. It may be helpful to keep a journal detailing which foods may be affecting the eczema. It may take several days to notice a worsening of the rash after the allergic food is ingested. EXPECTED COURSE This is a chronic condition that is frequently outgrown later in childhood. TREATMENT One of the major factors that makes eczema worse is a loss of moisture through the skin surface. The rash allows many things (including allergens and irritating soaps and clothing) to make the inflammation worse. Keeping the skin well moisturized and avoiding irritating factors are two of the most important things to consider when treating eczema. ___ Skin Cleansers -True soaps can actually strip away the protective lining of the skins surface. For this reason, it is important to avoid true soaps. Dove and cetaphil cleansing bar are less irritating choices. -Avoiding repetitive hand washing is important if the eczema involves the hands or wrists. Moisturizers -Children with eczema always have dry skin. After a 10 minute soak or bath in luke-warm water, the skin is well hydrated and is the best time to add a moisturizer. Help trap the moisture in the skin by applying an outer layer of cream to the entire skin surface while it is damp. Apply it after steroid cream (if this has been prescribed) has been applied to any itchy areas. Apply the lubricating cream at least 1-2 times daily. Cetaphil and Eucerin creams are good options. Aquaphor and petroleum jelly can be used for more severe eczema/ dry skin and are often the least irritating. These ointments work better to the lock in the moisture but may be less well tolerated because of the greasiness. Lotions should be avoided as the alcohol in these products may actually make the dry skin worse General Recommendations: Young Infants and Toddlers
___ School-aged Children
_____ Adolescents and Adults -Avoid long and very hot showers -Use dove and cetaphil cleansers -Pat dry skin and apply moisturizers within 3 minutes after bathing -Thicker petroleum-based moisturizers may be used if tolerated, but moisturizing creams such as eucerin or cetaphil may be more practical PREVENTION Wool fibers and clothes made of scratchy, rough materials make eczema worse. Loose-fitting cotton clothes should be worn. Avoid triggers that cause eczema to flare up, such as: excessive heat, sweating, excessive cold, dry air (use a humidifier), chlorine, harsh chemicals, soaps and bubble bath. Keep your child away form anyone with fever blisters since the herpes virus can cause a serious skin infection. During pregnancy fish intake (low mercury fish), lactobacillus intake and vitamin D intake correlates with decreased eczema in infants. Breast-feeding may decrease the chances of developing eczema in families with a history of allergies. CALL YOUR CHILD’S PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY IF:
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