The exact cause of eczema has not been found. However, it is known that there is a hereditary predisposition to it.
Important! Atopic dermatitis in children is extremely rarely associated with food allergies, then you should not put the child on a diet.
The first symptoms of eczema in children usually appear before the age of 5. In smaller children, dermatitis is more often manifested on the face, front of the arms and legs, in older children - on the sides of the neck, the bend of the elbow, on the back of the knee.
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic disease. That is, it is unlikely that it will be possible to completely cure it, from time to time it will worsen and return.
What makes eczema worse in children:
- irritants: soap, bath products, wool, sand, synthetics, dust, perfumery, cosmetics, cigarette smoke;
- significant temperature difference;
- dry air;
- sweating;
- severe stress.
How can I help a child with atopic dermatitis?
1. Avoid prolonged bathing in hot water
This can dry out the skin even more. The water should be warm, but not hot. You don't need to stay too long in it.
2. Find a bath product
Ideally, the product should be free of soap, and it should moisturize the skin well. If the child is not 2 years old, then he definitely does not need to be completely washed every day.
3. Moisturize Skin Immediately After Bathing
Use a cream or ointment as lotions for children have more water, they moisturize worse. Try to find an ointment or cream that does not contain water at all or contains little amounts.4. Show the baby to the doctor
No medication for dermatitis should be given to a child without a doctor's prescription. To make a diagnosis, the pediatrician does not need additional tests, it is enough just to come to the appointment.
5. The doctor may prescribe a steroid ointment
It is usually used in severe cases of exacerbation of eczema. It is necessary to buy and apply such a remedy to a child only under the regular supervision of a doctor in order to avoid side effects.
6. Itching is relieved by antihistamines
But they should be prescribed only by a doctor after examining the child.
You will also be interested to read:
- Myths about infant milk allergy
- Why baby cosmetics are not suitable for adults
- 6 harmful traditional medicine tips for treating children
