Eczema

Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a chronic skin condition affecting up to 30% of children. Most kids with eczema experience symptoms before age six.Though more common in young children, eczema can appear at any age and often lasts for years. Treatment usually involves medicated topical creams or ointments.

Children with eczema often have dry, itchy, inflamed skin on areas like:

• Face
• Scalp
• Forehead
• Chest
• Inside the elbows
• Behind the knees
• Wrists and ankles

The rash and inflammation can come and go, often improving or clearing as kids grow. While eczema is uncomfortable due to itching, it’s not contagious.

Kids with eczema may also be more likely to develop food allergies, hay fever, or asthma.

Eczema rash appearance varies by location but always causes intense itching.During flare-ups, some children scratch so much their skin may bleed.

Common symptoms include:

• Dry, cracked, scaly skin
• Itchy, red, or brownish-gray patches
• Small raised bumps, especially on darker skin tones
• Oozing or crusting in affected areas
• Thickened, leathery skin
• Raw, sensitive skin from scratching

Eczema often runs in families. Children with a family history are more likely to develop it. Sometimes, the skin’s natural barrier is weakened, letting irritants and allergens in more easily.Other causes include:

• Allergy sensitivities (pollen, pet dander, dust mites)
• Contact with harsh soaps, chemicals, wool, or fragranced products
• Extreme weather conditions
• Immune system imbalances

The intense itch during flare-ups can be tough for kids and parents.To help reduce flare-ups:

• Avoid irritants like wool and synthetic fabrics; opt for cotton or linen
• Dress your child in soft, lightweight clothing and bedding, avoiding too many layers
• Use fragrance-free, gentle soaps during baths
• Apply fragrance-free moisturizers after baths for babies and at least twice daily for older kids
• Keep your child’s nails trimmed to limit scratching damage

If eczema disrupts your child’s sleep or daily life, please contact your doctor promptly.Avoid over-the-counter creams that may contain irritants worsening symptoms.

At Sammy Kim, MD, we provide attentive care for your child’s eczema, which may include:

• Topical steroid creams
• Fragrance-free moisturizers to hydrate skin
• Antibiotics for infections
• Anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory medications

Doctors may also prescribe antihistamines to reduce nighttime itching and improve sleep.

With the right care, eczema is manageable. At Sammy Kim, MD, we help you identify symptoms, apply effective treatments, and use prevention strategies so your child can enjoy a more comfortable, itch-free life.We’ll partner with you to find the best approach for your child’s skin. To schedule a visit, please call Sammy Kim, MD at (818) 789-0941 or contact us online.

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