Sensitive skin is a symptom of eczema in both children and in adults. Eczema is a chronic condition which causes the skin to become scaly, itchy and inflamed.
In other words, patients with eczema have sensitive skin. Sensitive skin is easily irritated by certain substances, such as latex, or even water, or environmental factors, such as heat or allergens, such as pollen. Here is more about the link between eczema and sensitive skin in your child and how you can manage these common skin problems.
What Is Eczema?
Eczema–also known as atopic dermatitis–is a skin condition affecting both children and adults worldwide. It is a chronic inflammatory disorder which makes the skin red, itchy and very dry. It appears anywhere on the body but most often on the face, scalp, hands, elbows, knees and feet.
Eczema remains something of a mystery to dermatologists and scientists alike. It seems related to an overactive immune system and has definite triggers which vary widely from person to person.
What is Sensitive Skin?
Sensitive skin is a term used to describe skin easily irritated by external factors such as weather, certain household products and environmental triggers. Pediatric patients with sensitive skin may have reactions such as:
- Redness
- Burning
- Stinging
- Itching when exposed to triggers
- Rashes (bumps, blisters and hives)
- Peeling skin
In other words, sensitive skin looks different from normal skin. Plus, to your child, it feels really different–hot, uncomfortable and very itchy.
It can be difficult for young children to keep their hands away from affected areas of sensitive skin. Sleep disruption commonly happens during flare-ups.
What Causes Sensitive Skin in Eczema Patients?
The compromised skin barrier in children with sensitive skin leads to conditions such as eczema. Eczema causes the skin to become dry, itchy and inflamed, making it more vulnerable to irritants and allergens.
A cycle of irritation and flare-ups results. In fact, when sensitive skin and eczema are not addressed early after symptom onset, they progress quickly and can be more difficult to treat and manage.
Besides eczema, other causes of sensitive skin include:
- Rosacea (bumpy facial skin with small, raised blood vessels)
- Contact dermatitis (skin irritation caused by touching irritants or allergens)
- Aquagenic pruritus (extreme itching when in contact with water)
- Physical urticaria (reaction to pressure, heat, cold or even vibration)
- Photodermatoses (reaction to sunlight)
External, or environmental factors, can cause episodes of sensitive skin symptoms. These include:
- Decreased humidity (very dry environments)
- Too much washing (hands in particular)
- Friction
- Irritating fabrics, laundry products and soaps
- Latex
- Allergens contained in foods and in things touched or inhaled (pollen and animal dander as examples)
Even stressors on mental and emotional health can impact a child’s skin, making it sensitive and prone to eczema and other problems.
The Truth about Treating Sensitive Skin
The path to a healthier skin barrier is highly individualized. Much depends on the child’s home and school environment, diet, products used, day-to-day stress and more. However, your pediatric dermatology provider offers some general guidelines that can help parents and caregivers navigate the world of sensitive skin and find ways to alleviate symptoms.
Keep Skin Hydrated
Moisturizing regularly with a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer is key in maintaining a healthy skin barrier. Look for products specifically designed for sensitive skin or use those recommended by your child’s dermatologist.
Avoid Irritants
Be aware of potential irritants in your child’s environment and try to minimize exposure as much as possible. This may include switching to hypoallergenic laundry detergents, avoiding harsh soaps and using gentle cleaning products.
Watch Your Child’s Diet
Certain foods can trigger flare-ups in children with sensitive skin. Your pediatric dermatology provider may recommend allergy testing or keeping a diary of skin symptoms. This information will help you and your child avoid or limit foods which increase the frequency and severity of skin sensitive skin reactions.
Find Ways to Relax
Children are prone to worry and anxiety just as their parents and caregivers are. So, find ways to reduce stress in your child’s life. Deep breathing works well as does time out for play and fun as part of the day-to-day household routine.
See Your Pediatric Dermatologist in Phoenix, AZ
At Happy Skin Pediatric Dermatology, we work hard to provide holistic skin care for our young patients. Our pediatric dermatology provider, Dr. Samanatha Casselman, helps parents and children understand how to achieve and maintain healthy skin for life. We highly recommend regular skin checks for our patients who exhibit signs of sensitive skin.
To see Dr. Casselman for an individualized consultation, call us at (602) 837-3376, or request a visit online here. We look forward to greeting your family soon.
