Common types of Eczema affecting children.

  

Date Posted: 5/3/2012 6:25:06 AM

Posted By: rodriguez mwalenga  Membership Level: Silver  Total Points: 110

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Eczema is a skin condition characterized by inflamed, dry, hot and itchy skin. When it gets severe, the skin may break and bleed. The condition is although not contagious, and even though incurable; it is controllable with suitable treatment and usually gets better with time. Experts say that the condition may clear on its own by the time the child gets to his teens.

Children under three years are advised against taking nuts and their products, which trigger this condition in some babies. Also, if a history of allergies is in the family, it is advisable to keep children away from such foods and introduce them to one type of food at a time. However, it has been noted that though food is the main aggravator of this condition in some children, there are others who do not react to any type of food at all.

The common types of Eczema include;

1. Infantile Seborrhoeic Eczema also referref to as cradle cap:
This usually first develops on the scalp or nappy area before spreading to other parts of the body. It mostly affects babies under the age of one year and it does not cause soreness or itching,therefore the baby will not suffer any discomfort. This type clears in a couple of months and it is advisable to keep the baby's skin clean and moist by only using mild soap that do no cause an allergic reaction.

2. Atopic Eczema:
This is the most common type and it affects both children and adults. The condition is hereditary if linked to asthma and hay fever. Symptoms include dry, red and inflamed skin and at times extreme itching. Scratching leads to breakage of skin making it vulnerable to infections. This condition is treated by first finding out what triggers the condition and keeping it away from the

victim. After diagnosing the cause, softening and soothing creams can be applied to keep the skin hydrated but in severe cases, a medical practitioner may recommend steroid creams and antibiotics if infections are present.

3. Irritant Contact Dermatitis:
This is triggered by frequent contact with daily substances such as perfumes, chemicals and detergents which irritate the skin. Treatment involves keeping the child away from these substances and making sure the skin is well hydrated and moisturized.

4. Allergic Contact Dermatitis:
This occurs when the child's immune system reacts to a substance that comes into contact with the skin. The allergic reaction develops over time as long as the victim repeats contacts with the substance. Treatment is simply stopping usage of any substance that triggers rush.

Steroid creams are the best in treating most of these conditions but failure to follow the prescription properly any result in side effects such as thinning of the skin.

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