Increasingly common in children, eczema can be triggered by various foods and environmental factors. It is closely associated with asthma and allergies.
Atopic dermatitis or eczema is by definition an extremely itchy skin rash. Common symptoms are patches of rough, flaky, red skin particularly on face, elbows, knees, armpits, skin folds.
Contact dermatitis is an allergic skin reaction to a particular substance like cosmetics, leather or nickel. The rash usually appears at the site of contact.
! Allergic reactions can occasionally be life-threatening and you must consult your doctor immediately. Please read cautionary alert at the bottom !
Identify the cause: First of all identify the triggers that cause eczema flare ups. It could be dust mite, harsh detergents, pollen, various food allergies etc. Ask your doctor to organise a skin prick test or blood test done at the laboratory to pin point the cause(s). You may have to maintain a food diary to note down all foods consumed and reactions observed over a given period of time. Then get a management plan drawn up in consultation with your doctor/paediatrician.
Minimise / eliminate triggers as far as possible to avoid recurrences.
Prevent itching: This is the most important part of treatment. Scratching may cause the rash to become infected. Itching is provoked by changes in temperature, fabrics like wool, and some soaps. Try to keep children in clean cotton clothes and apply moisturising creams "generously" after bath.
Corticosteroid cream: To manage flare ups, your doctor might prescribe a hydrocortisone cream to be applied sparingly on affected parts. It helps the rash clear up sooner, soothes the itching and helps to prevent scarring and skin darkening. In severe cases, your doctor may use his discretion to prescribe something more potent. These steroid creams should be used sparingly and avoid long term use as it may cause skin thinning.
Anti-histamine: Your doctor may prescribe anti-histamines to be taken orally, especially at night to prevent itching at night and improve sleep.
Some basics you should remember:
Some basics you should remember:
Moisturize Moisturize Moisturize: Apply lotion soon after bath so that the moisture is locked into the skin and apply "liberally". Vaseline makes a great fragrance-free, dye-free moisturizer and it can battle the driest of skin. Or your doctor can prescribe an Aqueous cream or another alternative lotion. (See below for aromatherapy alternatives).
If the emollient moisturising creams causes the itching to increase or inflame the skin, discontinue use and try an alternative brand.
Have the bath water tepid and not too hot. Do not scrub skin with the wash cloth. Instead gently rub the soap or cloth over body. Also pat skin dry with towel rather than rubbing.
Use laundry detergent, soap and lotion that are free of fragrance and dyes.
Try and minimise dust as far as possible in the surrounding living areas, especially bedrooms.
Contact dermatitis is an allergic skin reaction to a particular substance like poison ivy, cosmetics, leather or nickel in jewellery, zippers, coins. The rash usually appears at a site where there is direct contact to the offending substance, although rash can appear in other unexposed areas too. The affected area is red and swollen and blisters may form. It's extremely itchy. Treatment is by avoiding the allergen substance or removing it and thoroughly washing the affected area. Cool compresses and steroid creams may be used to relieve the symptoms. In severe cases (such as poison ivy) a doctor will have to prescribe further treatment.
Aromatherapy alternatives
Essential oils: One of the best ways to relieve itchy skin is a soothing bath with essential oils, and children love the scent. Add 1 tblsp almond, jojoba or sunflower oil to the child's bath, together with 2-3 drops of either lavender or geranium essential oils.
Make a soothing oatmeal bath: Put a small quantity of organic oats in a muslin bag, together with 1/2 tsp of almond oil and a drop of lavender essential oil. Hang this bag over the tap as you run the water for the bath.
For a skin soothing cream: mix 120 ml of calamine lotion with 2 drops of lavender or geranium essential oils.
Vitamin A helps keep skin soft, smooth and healthy, so a deficiency can worsen an eczema. So can a lack of zinc and essential fatty acids, which cause skin to become dry and sensitive. Boost your child's intake of omega3 oils, which are found in oily fish such as salmon and mackerel. Zinc rich foods are like blackberries, red meat, beans, fish, eggs, some crackers and cereals. Vitamin A can be found in liver, sweet potatoes, carrots, mangoes, spinach, dried apricots, milk, egg yolks etc.
ALERT: If your child appears sick or has difficulty breathing, swelling of lips or tongue, medical help should be sought urgently - remember URGENT CALL THE DOCTOR. The doctor may need to be administer adrenalin by injection immediately.
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