Eczema is a common condition in children. According to the CDC, about 10.8 percent of children in the US suffer from eczema. Severe eczema in your children, however, may feel like a losing battle.
If you are a parent dealing with severe eczema in your child, you know how challenging it can be. This skin condition can cause discomfort, sleepless nights, and emotional stress for both you and your child. But don’t worry—there are ways to manage it effectively.
In this blog post, we will explore practical and straightforward tips to help you take control of your child’s eczema. You will learn about identifying triggers, creating an effective skincare routine, and exploring various treatment options.
Understanding Severe Eczema in Children
Eczema, which is also called atopic dermatitis, is a condition that causes skin to become inflamed. Children with eczema have an issue with the skin barrier.
The low levels of protein called filaggrin cause the skin to lose moisture easily. As a result, it has less protection against bacteria and environmental irritants.
Eczema tends to run in families and is triggered by environmental factors. Knowing your child’s eczema triggers can help you better manage their condition.
Symptoms of Eczema in Children
Eczema causes a range of symptoms, including:
- Red, Inflamed Skin: The skin often looks red and irritated, especially in areas like the face, elbows, and knees.
- Itchy Skin: Itching is a common symptom, which can lead to scratching and make the condition worse.
- Dry, Rough Patches: The skin may become dry, rough, and scaly, sometimes leading to cracking.
- Blisters or Sores: In more severe cases, eczema can cause small blisters or sores that may ooze.
- Thickened Skin: Repeated scratching can lead to thickened, leathery skin.
- Sleep Problems: The itching and discomfort from eczema can make it hard for children to sleep well.
For many parents, it is hard to watch their child suffering from eczema. Managing severe eczema requires consistent care and attention. Fortunately for many, eczema improves with age, usually after the age of four.
Identifying Triggers That Worsen Eczema
Triggers are external factors that can cause eczema to flare up or worsen. Identifying and avoiding these triggers is crucial for managing severe eczema.
Common triggers include:
- Soaps and Detergents: Certain soaps, laundry detergents, or fabric softeners can irritate sensitive skin.
- Weather Changes: Extremes in temperature or humidity, such as very hot, cold, or dry weather, can make eczema worse.
- Food Allergies: Some foods might trigger eczema symptoms. Common culprits include dairy, eggs, and nuts.
- Irritants: Contact with rough fabrics or irritating substances, like certain chemicals, can aggravate eczema.
Keeping a diary can help track what triggers your child’s eczema. Record their diet, activities, and the products they use, along with any changes in their skin condition. This makes it easier to pinpoint what is causing your child’s skin reaction.
Emotional stress can also impact eczema. Helping your child manage stress through calming activities can be beneficial. Additionally, creating a supportive and stress-free environment at home can help reduce flare-ups.
Essential Skincare Routine for Gentle Care at Home
Establishing a consistent and gentle skincare routine for your child can help manage eczema.
Here’s a simple routine you can follow:
- Bathing: Bathe your child in lukewarm water rather than hot, and use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser. This helps prevent skin irritation and keeps the skin from drying out. In addition, avoid staying too long in the bath or shower, as this can dry out the skin.
- Moisturizing: Apply a fragrance-free, moisturizer containing colloidal oatmeal on your child’s skin while still damp from a bath. This helps lock in moisture and strengthens the skin’s natural barrier. Moisturize at least twice daily, even without an eczema flare-up, to keep the skin hydrated and protected.
- Use Soothing Treatments: Consider adding oatmeal baths to your routine for extra relief. Aveeno has a line of products specially formulated for children with dry, itchy, eczema-prone skin.
- Avoid Irritants: Protect your child from commonly known irritants. This includes avoiding rough fabrics, harsh soaps, and cleaning products.
- Use a Humidifier: A cool mist or ultrasonic humidifier can help maintain humidity at home. A humidifier adds moisture to the air, which can help keep the skin hydrated and prevent the dryness that triggers eczema flare-ups.
These go a long way in reducing flare-ups and increasing comfort for your child.
How a Dermatology Specialist Treats Severe Eczema
When over-the-counter treatments aren’t enough, a pediatric dermatology provider can prescribe the best treatments for severe eczema.
Here are some treatments a provider may include in your child’s treatment plan:
1. Prescription Topical Medications
Dermatology providers often prescribe topical corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and itching. Corticosteroids work by suppressing the immune response in the skin, which decreases inflammation and irritation.
Topical immunomodulators (TIMs) are another option that can help manage eczema by targeting the immune system. TIMs are generally used for sensitive areas or for longer-term management to avoid potential corticosteroid side effects.
2. Anti-Inflammatory Oral Medications
Oral anti-inflammatory medications may be used when topical treatments are insufficient in controlling severe eczema. These medications help address inflammation from within the body, rather than just treating the skin’s surface.
Severe eczema can be a challenge, but a pediatric dermatology specialist offers you effective solutions for managing it. With the right knowledge and support from a pediatric dermatology provider, your child can have healthy skin.
Severe Eczema Treatment Near Me in Phoenix, AZ
For the best treatment for severe eczema, consult our pediatric dermatology specialist at Happy Skin Pediatric Dermatology. Samantha Casselman is an experienced pediatric nurse practitioner (NP) honored to be entrusted with your child’s care.
Samantha Casselman, DNP, CPNP-PC ensures your child receives customized treatments and takes a holistic approach to treating eczema. To schedule an appointment with Samantha Casselman, call our pediatric dermatology clinic today at (602) 837-3376. You can also use our convenient online form to send an appointment request.
