Dealing With Eczema in Children

Eczema in children, also known as atopic dermatitis, can cause patches of itchy, irritated skin that are tough for kids to deal with. While there is no cure, constant management is key to helping children feel more comfortable. Understanding eczema and how to treat both rashes and flare-ups can help parents effectively support their child's skin health.

What is Pediatric Eczema?

Pediatric eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes patches of dry, itchy rashes on a child. The rashes most often affect the face, arms and legs of infants and children. Irritants, allergens, stress, weather changes and other environmental factors can trigger eczema flare-ups. While the exact cause is unknown, eczema tends to run in families with a history of other allergic diseases like asthma or hay fever.

Repairing Your Child's Skin Barrier

Children with eczema have an impaired skin barrier that allows too much moisture to escape. Gentle daily cleansing and applying moisturizer immediately after bathing helps repair this barrier. Using fragrance-free cleansers, avoiding harsh soaps and dressing in soft fabrics promote healing. Moisturizing daily, even when rash-free, also prevents future flare-ups.

Reducing the Itch

Itching is extremely bothersome for pediatric eczema. Along with gentle care, wet wrapping applied after bathing can soothe irritated skin temporarily. Antihistamine medications may also provide drowsiness to pause scratching and re-injuring rashes. Preventing scratching by keeping nails short and using cotton gloves at night further reduces irritation.

Healing Irritated Skin & Rashes

When eczema rashes are inflamed, topical steroid creams under a doctor's guidance can effectively resolve patches. Non-steroid alternatives are also available for delicate areas. Correctly following a treatment plan tailored to the severity of rashes is important for healing pediatric skin issues.

Managing & Preventing Pediatric Skin Infections

Moist rashes are prone to bacterial or viral infection, worsening symptoms. Bleach baths taken 2-3 times weekly are a simple home remedy that resembles chlorinated pools to disinfect pediatric skin rashes. Parents should see a dermatologist promptly if any signs of infection like pus or swollen lesions arise on a child’s eczema. Oral antibiotics may be necessary in these cases.

With the right long-term management strategies, parents can help their children find significant relief from the symptoms of eczema and other common pediatric rashes. A board-certified dermatologist is also wise to obtain a proper diagnosis and individualized treatment plan. Implementing professional guidance along with daily gentle skincare can aid comfort and improve a child’s quality of life.

Expert Partner For Managing Pediatric Eczema in Houston

For families in Houston seeking expert dermatological care for children dealing with eczema, rashes or other skin conditions, Bread of Life Pediatrics led by Dr. Ijeoma Oguagha provides compassionate and comprehensive services. Striving to empower families through education and active involvement, their knowledgeable team understands the challenges of pediatric skin issues and aims to create a nurturing healing environment through evaluation, individually tailored treatment plans using innovative therapies and oral medications if needed, guidance on prevention, and acceptance of most major insurances to make appointments convenient. Families can call 346-746-7420 or schedule an initial consultation and learn more about the dermatology services for children offered through Bread of Life Pediatrics' whole-child approach and commitment to improving pediatric skin health.