Eczema is when the skin gets dry, itchy, irritated, red, and bumpy. Several types exist, but the common type is atopic dermatitis. To many people, “atopic dermatitis” and “eczema” mean the same. Eczema is pretty common, and many children with it have family members with the same skin condition since it can be passed from parents to their kids through genes.
Children with this may also have asthma and other allergies, such as hay fever. Hay fever, eczema, and asthma are in the group of “atopic” conditions. It can affect children who are highly sensitive to allergens in the environment. Food allergies may also contribute to these conditions or even worsen them for some children. For other children, allergies to dust, pollen, or animal dander might trigger these conditions.
The signs of eczema are mainly itchy skin and dry skin, which includes scales, bumps, and redness that can leak fluid and then crust over. It tends to come and go but can become worsened and flare up.
When to worry about your child’s eczema
The severity of this condition depends on the symptoms. When irritants are present, it can trigger eczema and can even make it more severe. You should worry when it begins to present symptoms such as:
- Very itchy skin
- Pus-filled wounds – this often occurs when the condition is worsened, which then causes children to itch patches severely.
- Inflamed, red, and dry skin patches of the skin that occur typically on the face and near the wrists, knees, and elbows.
Call a doctor when;
- Your child’s eczema does not improve with prescribed medications or when it worsens.
- Your child develops oozing and open areas of skin that are painful or linked with fever.
Book an appointment and speak to a doctor online if the situation does not improve.