Discover effective ways of managing eczema in children. From natural remedies to creams and diet, learn how to prevent and treat eczema in infants and kids.

Taking Care Of Eczema In Children: Treatment, Remedies & Prevention

One out of ten children in the United States has atopic dermatitis, a common inflammatory skin condition.

Taking Care Of Eczema In Children

Introduction

Commonly called eczema, the skin condition is characterized by recurrent red, rough, and itchy skin. According to the 2014 American Academy of Paediatrics report, caring for the skin is one of the primary steps for the prevention and management of eczema flare-ups<a href="#accordion">[1]</a> 
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<a href="https://www.merisehat.pk/disease/eczema">Eczema</a> is a recurrent and persistent rash that spreads throughout the body. Environmental factors, immune dysfunction, and genetic disposition can aggravate eczema in people. However, atopic dermatitis is not just itchy skin. It can have a drastically negative effect on the quality of life. Hence, it should not be underestimated. Moreover, eczema can cause insomnia, hinder a child&rsquo;s daily activities, and make them feel embarrassed in social settings. In addition, it puts parents and caregivers under hefty treatment costs. The need to take out at least three hours a day for skincare causes guilt, depression, and hopelessness. 
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Due to all the concerns linked to eczema, healthcare providers emphasize and recommend preventive treatment or care. The therapies are directed toward the skin and rely on four strategies:&nbsp; 
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1. Maintenance of <a href="https://www.merisehat.pk/article/the-trinity-of-skincare">skincare</a> for maintaining healthy skin and repairing the damage.

2. Children should be given topical anti-inflammatory medications, as directed by their healthcare provider, to suppress inflammation.

3. Controlling the itch.

4. Managing what triggers eczema and recognizing the flare-ups for effective treatment.

All these approaches should be present in written forms so parents can refer to them in the future. However, the chances of recurrence in eczema are high even when parents follow treatment plans without any failure. Thus, making eczema a highly frustrating condition. But a clear action plan can help in developing clear expectations and reduce frustrations.

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Understanding how to care for eczema in children

In children, eczema usually starts before the age of five. For most children, the symptoms ease or reduce as they reach adolescence. However, the sensitivity of the skin remains. No matter how long eczema persists, months or years, parents should work on an action plan that improves the child&rsquo;s quality of life. If you think that eczema is affecting your child&rsquo;s quality of life, talk to a pediatrician and incorporate effective skin care strategies.

<h5> 
Skin Care Maintenance</h5>

The frequency at which children with eczema should bathe is unclear, but it is recommended that they should shower daily for ten to fifteen minutes with lukewarm wate<a href="#">[2]</a>. However, if you think the bath time is irritating your child&rsquo;s skin, adjust it accordingly.&nbsp; 
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Mild acidic cleansers should be used, making sure that they are only used on dirty parts. This limits the exposure to soaps and prevents irritation of the skin. After bathing your child, dry them gently using a towel. Do not rub their skin because it can aggravate the itching. Leave the skin damp and apply a moisturizer to the entire skin. Moisturizers that do not contain alcohol are preferred as alcohol can dry the skin, increasing irritation in addition to subsequent symptoms. 
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<h5>Topical Anti-Inflammatory Medication</h5>

Once the child has bathed, use only prescription topical medications on areas that are red, itchy, and rough. Parents need to keep track of all the medications because healthcare providers prescribe different ones for every area of the body. Always use a cotton swab to apply the medication to reduce exposure to bacteria, and wash your hands before applying the cream.&nbsp; 
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Prescription medications should not be applied more than twice a day. Continue using them till the symptoms start getting better. Although, if the symptoms persist for more than two weeks, consult your child&rsquo;s pediatrician.&nbsp; 
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Various medications are used for the treatment of atopic dermatitis. The pediatrician may alter the prescription based on your child&rsquo;s disease progress. Misuse of these medications can lead to adverse events in children.&nbsp; 
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Many parents or caregivers have a fear of steroids which can lead to under-treatment. However, topical steroids are safe to use and most of them aren&rsquo;t as strong as parents assume them to be. Topical steroids are used for the treatment of atopic dermatitis, and they range from low potency to super potent. You can consult your child&rsquo;s pediatrician to choose the right one for them. 
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<h5>Controlling the Itch</h5>

When children with eczema scratch their skin a lot, it further increases the itching and results in drastic skin damage. Therefore, it is necessary that the itching is controlled as much as possible. Antihistamines can help in reducing itching, especially while sleeping. Parents can give their children antihistamines thirty minutes before bedtime or in the morning for the itching. Talking to your child&rsquo;s doctor about the risks and benefits can help. Know which antihistamines are sedating, and which ones are good to give during the day, so your child is not drowsy at school or during the day. Moreover, it is also necessary to discuss the side effects and how long they may last.&nbsp; 
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Antihistamines can be purchased over the counter and do not require a prescription. Moreover, most of them have been approved for children older than six months. Speak to the healthcare provider for the appropriate dosage. 
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The following antihistamines and antiallergic medications are available under Getz Pharmaceuticals and can be purchased from any pharmacy. 
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<ul>
	<li>Allerget&trade; (Loratadine)</li>
	<li>Fexet (Fexofenadine HCl)</li>
	<li>Fexet D&reg; (Fexofenadine HCl+ Pseudoephedrine HCl)</li>
	<li>Fexet D&reg; (Fexofenadine HCl+ Pseudoephedrine HCl)</li>
	<li>Fexet&reg; (Fexofenadine HCl + Pseudoephedrine HCl)</li>
	<li>Fexet&reg; (Fexofenadine HCl)</li>
	<li>Fexet&reg; (Fexofenadine HCl)</li>
	<li>Fexet&reg; (Fexofenadine HCl)</li>
	<li>Fexet&reg; (Fexofenadine HCl)</li>
	<li>Fexet&trade; (Fexofenadine HCl)</li>
	<li>Fexet&trade; (Fexofenadine HCl)</li>
	<li>Larinex (Desloratadine)</li>
	<li>Larinex&reg; (Desloratadine)</li>
	<li>Larinex&reg; (Desloratadine)</li>
	<li>Larinex&trade; (Desloratadine)</li>
	<li>Rincit&reg; (Levocetirizine Dihydrochloride) 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

<h5>Triggers and Irritants</h5>

Substances that irritate the skin are called irritants and some children are usually aware of what aggravates their symptoms. However, it is important to know about all the common irritants that should be avoided. These include: 
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<ul>
	<li>Woollen clothes</li>
	<li>Clothes that are made with synthetic fibers</li>
	<li>Soaps and bubble baths can damage the natural pH of the skin</li>
	<li>Detergents</li>
	<li>Perfumes</li>
	<li>Dish soap and surface cleaners</li>
	<li>Sand and dust</li>
	<li>Cigarette smoke</li>
	<li>Chemicals like chlorine and mineral oil 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Key Points

<ul>
	<li>Children with eczema should keep their skin moisturized. It is recommended that they use moisturizers twice or thrice a day.</li>
	<li>Topical ointments and steroid creams can be used to relieve the itching and inflammation.</li>
	<li>Children can take antihistamines before bedtime. It can prevent insomnia and let them sleep better at night.</li>
	<li>Triggers like soaps, detergents, synthetic clothing, and dust should be avoided.</li>
</ul>

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[1].Tollefson, M.M., Bruckner, A.L., Section On Dermatology, Cohen, B.A., Antaya, R., Bruckner, A., Horii, K., Silverberg, N.B. and Wright, T., 2014. Atopic dermatitis: skin-directed management. Pediatrics, 134(6), pp.e1735-e1744.

[2].Kim, H., Ban, J., Park, M.R., Kim, D.S., Kim, H.Y., Han, Y., Ahn, K. and Kim, J., 2012. Effect of bathing on atopic dermatitis during the summer season. Asia Pacific Allergy, 2(4), pp.269-274.

[3].Fernandes, J.D., Machado, M.C.R. and Oliveira, Z.N.P.D., 2011. Children and newborn skin care and prevention. Anais brasileiros de dermatologia, 86, pp.102-110.

[4].Huang, A., Cho, C., Leung, D.Y. and Brar, K., 2017. Atopic dermatitis: early treatment in children. Current treatment options in allergy, 4(3), pp.355-369.

[5].Lyons, J.J., Milner, J.D. and Stone, K.D., 2015. Atopic dermatitis in children: clinical features, pathophysiology, and treatment. Immunology and Allergy Clinics, 35(1), pp.161-183.

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