Also known as atopic dermatitis, eczema is one of the most common conditions individuals can have. One research study suggests that nearly one in ten people in the world will develop it at least once in their lifetime. There are currently hundreds of millions of people around the world who have eczema, and unfortunately, some experts believe that the number will gradually rise in the near future.
An introduction to eczema
Eczema is a skin condition that makes your skin dry, red, and itchy. Patches of your skin become rough or inflamed, and can even give your skin blisters. Though atopic dermatitis is the most common form of eczema, the skin condition can vary in type and severity. There are a number of probable causes for eczema, ranging from genetics to other underlying conditions.
Because of this, treating eczema is not a matter of just getting eczema creams for your symptoms. There is no one-size-fits-all solution that can treat every patient. It is important to note that there is also no cure for eczema and it is a long-lasting condition, so most treatments are geared towards managing symptoms and self-care.
Some good news for adults: though you can develop it after adolescence, eczema is most prevalent in babies and children. It most commonly shows up before the age of five. About sixty percent of people who develop eczema will have had it before the age of one.
Though eczema may be a noncontagious disease, a baby with eczema can be at risk of discomfort and pain. Let’s learn more about eczema in children and babies.
Eczema in kids
Eczema is not directly caused by allergies, but there is a clear link between them in many cases. Children with a family history of allergic diseases like asthma experience an increased risk of developing eczema. Eczema is an inheritable disease and those parents who have allergies have the highest risk.
Treating eczema in children can be tricky since they don’t always listen to what you say. If you suspect that your child may have eczema, it is best to consult a dermatologist or allergist before proceeding with any treatments. In some milder cases, it may be okay to rely on the use of baby eczema creams and other similar products, but more severe cases may require prescriptions for medication and allergy medication.
Eczema is a chronic condition with periods of dormancy and flare-ups. To prevent the frequent flare-ups of eczema symptoms, it is best to avoid the things that can trigger it. Eczema triggers can vary from person to person, but common ones include certain skincare products, foods, dry climates, and exposure to stress.
How to treat eczema in children
It may be disheartening to learn that your baby or child may have eczema, but there are ways to manage it so you can ensure that they may live a happy, healthy, and average life. Eczema is manageable as long as you stick to these basic principles: minimising exposure to potential triggers, protecting their skin by moisturising, and finally, consulting a doctor for assistance on how to better manage it. Here are some great tips specifically for treating eczema in children.
1) Avoid skin products with harmful ingredients. Most strong chemicals used in soaps and other skincare can be harmful to individuals with eczema. Some fragrances in these products can serve as irritants to your child’s skin. It’s best to look for natural products that are fragrance and soap-free. Another common ingredient to avoid is ethanol alcohol– while it is great for cleansing, it can dry out your child’s skin and make it itchy.
2) Develop a careful bathing routine. Your child’s bathing routine must be focused on keeping their skin moisturised, as eczema can make their skin feel dry and itchy. Do not bathe your child too often as this can remove their protective skin oils that keep it hydrated. Bathe with a gentle cleanser and use eczema moisturiser often.
3) Prevent them from scratching at their skin. Scratching at their skin will only worsen the itching and redness of their skin. It’s important to stop them from scratching too much. Common preventative measures include keeping the fingernails short and applying an anti-itch cream to their skin regularly.
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