You notice how itchy your child’s skin is–particularly in reddish to brown patches behind her knees and her wrists. You want to relieve the symptoms but are unsure what to do about it. Your pediatric dermatology provider in Phoenix, AZ, can help with rash assessment, diagnosis and treatment strategies which truly work. Here is more about rashes in children–specifically, the condition called eczema.
Why Does My Child Have a Skin Rash?
Babies, children and teens may develop skin rashes for a variety of reasons. Some are caused by contact with a household substance, such as a detergent or fabric softener. Others stem from bacterial or viral infections, insect bites or allergies to food, pet dander and other substances. Even daily stress and hormonal changes can affect the skin.
Skin rashes may appear as blisters–red, raised bumps which itch and/or ooze. They may affect limited areas of the body, such as the scalp, or be widespread over a large area. If accompanied by symptoms such as gastrointestinal upset, fever and difficulty breathing, rashes in children may require immediate attention from your pediatrician or pediatric dermatology provider in Phoenix, AZ.
What Are the Symptoms of Eczema?
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a common chronic skin condition. It affects about 10 percent of American children.
Eczema consists of itchy, dry and inflamed skin rashes which can appear anywhere on the body. Most often, it affects areas which have folds or creases, such as behind the knees, elbows, wrists and neck. These patches can be red to brown, dry or weepy and bumpy to leathery.
Eczema is characterized by flares. Flares are periodic episodes in which symptoms quickly appear or intensify.
What Causes Eczema?
The exact cause of eczema is unknown. However, children, and adults, who have eczema seem to have a reduced amount of a skin protein called filaggrin.
Research also points to a combination of genetic and environmental factors, including:
- A family or personal medical history of allergies and/or asthma
- Changes in temperature–both heat and cold
- Very dry indoor environments
- Excessive sweating
- Life stress from school or family issues
- Contact with irritants, such as cleaning products and personal hygiene items, including bath soaps, lotions and deodorants
How Can My Child’s Eczema Be Diagnosed and Treated?
Diagnosis and treatment of eczema in children begins with a consultation with your pediatric dermatology provider. The healthcare provider will ask about your child’s medical history and examine the skin carefully, particularly in the affected areas. Sometimes, a skin sample, or biopsy, is taken to rule out skin conditions other than eczema.
Depending on the characteristics of your child’s eczema, treatment options may include:
● Topical creams or ointments to relieve itching, reduce inflammation, and help repair the skin
● Antihistamines, oral or topical medications which reduce itching and improve sleep by reducing discomfort at night
● Antibiotics, to clear up any infection which may have developed along with the eczema
● Moisturizers, applications of creams, ointments or lotions which keep the skin well hydrated (products with ceramides, for example)
Parents should work closely with an experienced pediatric dermatology provider to find the best treatment plan for their children’s individual health needs. Some other tips that may help manage your youngster’s eczema include:
- Warm baths to soothe irritated skin and deliver needed moisture
- Patting the skin dry, rather than rubbing it hard or vigorously
- Putting loose fitting, comfortable, cotton clothing on your child
- Keeping the bedroom cool at night (to avoid sweating which can trigger eczema)
- Helping your child reduce stress through play, deep breathing, prayer, meditation and other ways to relax
In addition, keeping a diary of symptoms, including possible eczema triggers and what helps relieve symptoms. These details will help you and the pediatric dermatology provider fine-tune the child’s treatment plan.
Eczema has no real cure per se. However, this common skin condition can be managed with proper attention at home and from an experienced medical professional.
Expert Eczema Care from Your Pediatric Dermatologist in Phoenix, AZ
At Happy Skin Pediatric Dermatology, our dermatology provider is Dr. Samantha Casselman, who holds a doctorate in nursing practice. She takes a gentle, holistic approach to skin care for babies, children, adolescents and young adults up to age 21.
She and her caring team help many young patients and their families understand their eczema symptoms and how best to manage them. Dr. Casselman would be honored to help you and yours, too.
Please call Happy Skin Pediatric Dermatology today at (602) 837-3376to arrange an in-office consultation or request an appointment online here. We look forward to meeting with you soon.
