How Is It Treated?
http://www.nycdermatologist.com Topical corticosteroids, also called cortisone or steroid creams or ointments, are commonly used to treat eczema and
are not the same as the steroids used by some athletes. These medicines are usually applied directly to the affected areas
twice a day.
Continue to apply the corticosteroids for as long as your child's doctor suggests. It's also
important not to use a topical steroid prescribed for someone else. These creams and ointments vary in strength, and using
the wrong strength in sensitive areas can damage the skin, especially in infants.
Nonsteroid medications are also
available now in creams or ointments that can be used instead of - or in conjunction with - topical steroids.
Other
prescription treatments your child's doctor may recommend could include:
antihistamines (to help to control
itching)
oral or topical antibiotics (to prevent or treat secondary infections, which are common in children with eczema)
Some older children with severe eczema may also be treated with ultraviolet light under the supervision of a dermatologist
to help clear up their condition and make them more comfortable. In some cases, newer medications that change the way the
skin's immune system reacts are also prescribed.
What Can I Do to Help My Child?
You can help prevent
or treat your child's eczema by keeping your child's skin from becoming dry or itchy and avoiding known triggers that
cause flare-ups. It may help to follow these suggestions:
Avoid giving your child frequent hot baths, which tend
to dry the skin.
Use warm water with mild soaps or nonsoap cleansers when bathing your child.
Avoid using scented
soaps.
Ask your child's doctor if it's OK to use oatmeal soaking products in the bath to help control the itching.
Avoid excessive scrubbing and toweling after bathing your child. Instead, gently pat your child's skin dry.
Avoid dressing your child in harsh or irritating clothing, such as wool or coarsely woven materials. Dress your child in
soft clothes that "breathe," such as those made from cotton.
Apply moisturizing ointments (such as petroleum
jelly), lotions, or creams to your child's skin regularly and always within a few minutes of bathing, after a very light
towel dry. Even if your child is using a corticosteroid cream prescribed by the doctor, apply moisturizers or lotions frequently
(ideally, two to three times a day). But be sure to avoid alcohol-containing lotions and moisturizers, which can make your
child's skin drier. Some baby products can also contribute to children's dry skin.
Apply cool compresses (such
as a wet, cool washcloth) on the irritated areas of your child's skin to ease itching.
Keep your child's fingernails
short to minimize any skin damage caused by scratching.
Try having your child wear comfortable, light gloves to bed
if scratching at night is a problem.
Help your child avoid becoming overheated, which can lead to flare-ups.
Eliminate
any known allergens such as certain foods, dust, or pet dander from your household. (This has been shown to help the condition
in some young children.)
Have your child drink plenty of water, which adds moisture to the skin.
Although eczema
can be annoying and uncomfortable for children, its emotional impact can become the most significant problem as your child
gets older - especially during the preteen and teen years. And your child will need to take responsibility for following the
strategies described above.
You can help by teaching your preteen or teen to:
Establish a skin care
routine. Brief, lukewarm showers or baths and moisturizing regularly will help to avoid or alleviate flare-ups.
Use
only hypoallergenic makeup and sunscreens and facial moisturizers labeled noncomedogenic and oil free.
Recognize stressful
situations (such as taking tests at school or sports competitions) and how to manage them (such as by breathing, focusing
on an enjoyable activity, or taking a break).
Be aware of scratching and minimize it as much as possible.
When
Should You Call Your Child's Doctor?
Children and teens with eczema are prone to skin infections, especially with
Staph bacteria and herpesvirus. Call your child's doctor immediately if you notice any of the early signs of skin infection,
which may include:
increased fever
redness and warmth on or around affected areas
pus-filled bumps
on or around affected areas
areas on the skin that look like cold sores or fever blisters
Also, call your child's
doctor if you notice a sudden change or worsening of your child's condition or if your child's eczema isn't responding
to the doctor's recommendations.
http://www.1800blemish.com Even though eczema can certainly be bothersome for kids and parents alike, taking some preventative precautions and
following the doctor's orders can help to keep your child's eczema under control.
