Eczema

Eczema

Eczema is an inflammation (rash) of the skin, which is often red, dry and itchy. What causes eczema is not known but there appears to be increased reactivity of the immune system, and children affected by eczema often have other allergic conditions. Some ‘triggers’ which make symptoms worse in some children include dietary factors (such as cow’s milk, peanuts, fish, eggs), stress, and contact with chemicals such as certain perfumes, lanolin and some detergents. Woollen clothing can irritate eczema, while continuing with breastfeeding can delay the onset of eczema. 

Some ideas that may help: 

• try to work out what triggers make your child’s eczema worse 
• if wool makes it worse, try putting cotton singlets or cotton tops under woollen jerseys 
• if perfumed soaps make it worse use a non-perfumed soap or a bath oil instead. You can discuss bath oils with your health professional 
• avoid overheating which can often make the eczema worse 
• if your child scratches the eczema, try to keep their finger nails short. Putting gloves on your child may help at night or at sleep times. If the eczema is on your child’s arms or legs, dress them in long pants or tops with long sleeves 
• discuss creams to improve the eczema with your doctor. Moisturisers are the usual form of treatment. They can be applied several times a day and the greasy ones trap water in the skin. Sometimes steroid creams are used for red inflamed areas. Weepy crusted areas may be due to infection and may need oral antibiotics