A Parent's Guide for a Child with Eczema

Eczema is hallmarked by dry and sensitive skin that becomes red and exceedingly itchy.

Frequently small patches start on the forehead, cheeks and scalp and then spread to the upper body and lastly to the folds of the elbows, wrists and knees. It is very important to control the itching that is associated with eczema as scratching the rash can cause it to become raw, crusty and even ooze. This scratching can injure the skin even more and start a brutal sequence where scratching leads to a rash and itching, which leads to more scratching, which leads to a worse rash or possibly even infection. The first symptoms of eczema usually start between two and six months of age and the cause is unknown. Often eczema runs in families that have a history of asthma and allergies, but that is not always the case. It is important to remember that this is a chronic disease that requires constant care, but only about one third of children will persist with the symptoms of eczema into adulthood. While there is no cure for eczema there are several successful treatments that are designed to control and prevent the inflammation and itching that is at the heart of this disease. 
   
Perhaps the simplest and most effective of these would be moisture. Skin that is plagued by eczema requires a great deal of moisture, even between eczema flairs. When possible you should coat your child’s skin in a moisturizing ointment or even a cream, but try to avoid regular lotion because it is far less superior at providing moisture. Bathing has often been a source of controversy when it comes to eczema, but most doctors now recommend one 20 minute bath every day with a MILD soap or soap substitute followed immediately by a moisturizing ointment or cream. Sometimes a child will react poorly to a daily bath and their eczema will actually get worse. If this is the case try to give baths every other day.