Many children of today are suffering from skin conditions, and many of us parents have no clue how these skin problems come about. Worse yet, it causes pain and itch, making the child feel so uncomfortable and even emotionally affected from this condition.
Thus, we interviewed one of our panel experts, Dr Ng Yi Ki, MBBS (IMU), MRCPCH (UK). Dr Ng is a Consultant Paediatrician at Baby and Beyond Child Specialist Clinic in Publika, who will help us mummies understand more about childhood eczema, and how we as parents can help to alleviate our child’s discomforts.
Q1: What is childhood eczema, and is it different in babies or toddlers than in older children?
Eczema is a very common chronic inflammatory itchy skin condition that develops in early childhood where patches of skin become itchy, red, cracked, sore and rough. There are different stages and types and it usually goes through cycles of flare-ups and remission. The severity varies between person to person.
The commonly affected areas may differ between the different age groups. For example, in infants, the face, neck and body and areas of arms and legs along the long bones are more affected whereas for older children, the elbow and knee creases and around the neck are more commonly affected.
Q2: What causes babies and older children to develop eczema?
Eczema is due to a combination of a few factors: genetic predisposition, defects in the skin barrier function which causes the skin to not be able to retain moisture, as well as environmental triggering factors.
So, while the child’s skin is already more likely to be troubled to begin with, various factors such as soaps and detergents, heat or sweat, house dust mites as well as stress can trigger and worsen the condition.
Q3: Is eczema hereditary?
There is definitely a genetic component as eczema tends to run in families. Studies show that children who have 1 or both parents or other siblings with eczema are more likely to develop it themselves.
Q4: How long does childhood eczema last? Can eczema go away after some time or be cured?
Some cases of eczema resolve on their own as the children grow older while some children experience relapses and remissions throughout life.
Q5: What are the signs and symptoms of eczema?
There are different stages—from dry itchy skin to inflamed red patches. Because of the itch, scratching can lead to sores and bleeding. Prolonged untreated eczema can lead to dry, hardened skin.
Q6: How is eczema treated?
The treatment of eczema includes:
Repairing the skin barrier
- Bathing once or twice daily in lukewarm water to help hydrate and cleanse skin
- Use non-fragrant, non-lathering (without bubbles) soap
- Regular and liberal use of appropriate moisturisers or emollients after bath
- Sometimes, doctors may prescribe bandages or special body suits for more severe eczema
Reducing the inflammations during flare-ups
- Appropriate use of topical corticosteroids and/or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory creams with doctor’s supervision
- Oral or topical antibiotics to treat skin with concurrent infection
Reducing itchiness
- Oral anti-histamines
- Emollients with a hint of menthol may also help
Q7: What are some ways to help soothe the itches and sores from scratching?
- Dress your child in light cotton clothes.
- Heat tends to worsen symptoms. Keep child in cool environment.
- Trim baby’s nails to prevent severe scratch marks. Mittens at night may help
- Apply emollient/moisturiser immediately after a shower.
- Apply moisturiser frequently, regularly and generously.
- Apply cool compresses on the affected areas to sooth itch. Creams with a hint of menthol can also be applied on affected areas provided the skin is not cracked, sore or infected.
Q8: Is there any specific food (or triggers) to avoid for children with eczema?
Generally, it is not advised to avoid any type of food as the child needs the nutrition for growth and development. However, if there is a strong suspicion food allergy, allergy tests may sometimes be helpful to identify food allergies that may be triggering the eczema. The appropriate test needs to be discussed with your doctor first.
Q9: Is there anything we can do to prevent our child from developing eczema flares?
Proper skin care is key. Using the right bathing soap and regular use of appropriate moisturiser or emollient is important but often neglected when the skin is seemingly looking fine. It also helps if we are able to identify and avoid the triggering factors.
Q10: What type of moisturiser or emollient should we use?
There are lotions, creams and ointments depending on the amount of oil they contain. Ointment for very dry skin as it contains most oil and is more effective at keeping moisture in the skin, cream or lotion for less dry skin. Opt for one without fragrance.
Apply generously and regularly, at least twice a day, or more often if skin is very dry. Apply after a bath or shower to help keep the moisture in.
Q11: What happens if eczema is left untreated?
Untreated eczema can lead to bacterial skin infection, sleeping problems due to itch and chronic plaques (hardened dry scaly skin), not to mention the negative psychological impact it can cause a child to have poor self-image and low self-confidence because of the physical outlook.
Now that we know the basics to childhood eczema, hopefully we’ll be able to aid in alleviating our child’s discomforts.
Source: Dr Ng Yi Ki, MBBS (IMU), MRCPCH (UK), Consultant Paediatrician, Baby and Beyond Child Specialist Clinic, Publika
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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