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Eczema is a common condition in childhood it affects a fifth of the children in the UK, the good news is that 75 % of those
children grow out of it by puberty. Eczema has a genetic basis and tends to run in families. It is often associated
with other conditions such as asthma or hay fever. Children with eczema have dry, sensitive skin which is easily irritated
by certain chemicals (such as soaps or bubble bath solution) and by contact with woollen or polyester garments. In some children
diet seems to play a role in eczema, although it is often very difficult to find the offending food. Eczema is not contagious.
Symptoms
It is characterised by a very itchy, red rash, usually present in patches on the elbow creases and behind the knees, although
it may occur on the face, neck, hands and feet almost anywhere. In babies it usually starts with the cheeks then moves to
the wrists,ankles, folds behind the knees and on the inside of elbows. The rash may develop cracks and weep or bleed, especially
when the child scratches excessively because of the itch. This may cause a problem with infection by bacteria, which enter
the skin via the cracks. In between attacks of eczema, the skin looks thickened and dry. Eczema usually begins at some time
during the childhood, often in the first few months of life. The main truiggers seem to be soap which dries the skin,
dust mites and occasionally foods such as dairy,eggs and fish
Treatment
Eczema cannot be cured. The key it to try to prevent severe flare-ups the way to do that is to treat symptoms as soon as
they appear. Eczema is worsened when the skin is dry, so oils and moisturising creams applied directly to the skin are helpful,
as is the use of bath oils, all these things help to prevent the skin from becoming dry but be careful to only use products
which are specially formulated to help with the condition or some non perfume products such as aqueous creams as perfumed
products can aggravate the condition. If your child is scratching at the rash, try putting cotton mittens on their hands at
night, cut nails short and keep them clean. If their scratching becomes constant, see your doctor equally if the rash becomes
infected, your doctor will probably recommend a short course of antibiotics. Your G.P. may prescribe steroid creams to help
but always read the instructions very carefully and use as instructed as this type of cream can lead to thinning of the skin.
Cotton garments are more comfortable for your child than woollens and synthetics, keep the child cool, as overheating can
make the itch worse also avoid very hot baths or showers are also aggravating.
For more information try The National Eczema society at www.eczema.org
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