Parents: Issues You May Face When Your Child Has Eczema [ March 3rd, 2010 ] Posted in » Uncategorized

Eczema Free Forever

If your child was recently diagnosed with eczema, also commonly known as atopic dermatitis, you have a long road ahead. Although eczema is easily treated at home, there are many hard issues that you, as a parent, will face.

Nighttime Itching

You might assume that nighttime itching is the same as daytime itching for children with eczema, but it can be very different, especially in small children. Although they do not fully understand the complications that can arise from constant scratching, children are aware of their actions during the day. On the other hand, many small children continue to scratch in the middle of the night, without even being aware of their actions. This type of eczema is difficult to treat, as you cannot spend every night grabbing your child’s arm before they itch.

To combat the nighttime itching that is common among children with eczema, look for doable alternatives. If dust is a trigger factor, keep your child’s room clean and dust-free. If sweat is a trigger factor, dress them in light clothes and keep their room a cool temperature. If you don’t know the cause, try to keep areas susceptible to itching, such as the arms and legs, covered.

Pain

An eczema outbreak starts out relatively pain free. It typically begins with a simple itch that can’t stop. Soon, your child may find themselves literally digging at their skin. They mistakenly believe this will make the itch go away, but it doesn’t and it only gets worse. Severe rashes and the open wounds caused by constant scratching can lead to pain and discomfort. No parent wants to see their child in pain. That is why you must stop it at the source. Work with your child and his or her doctor to determine your child’s trigger factors. These are what cause the uncontrollable urge to itch. In the meantime, keep your child’s skin well moisturized.

Concern from Other Parents

Although eczema and atopic dermatitis are common among small children, you are likely to get many stares on the playground. This is most common if your child’s eczema rashes can be seen by other parents. Although you should keep your child’s open wounds covered to prevent infection, don’t just cover them to please others.

“Is eczema contagious?” That is a common question that many parents may ask. Unfortunately, some parents don’t even ask, they may automatically assume it is. You and your child owe no one an explication, as eczema is nothing but an inflammation of the skin. However, you may want to spread the word. As heartbreaking as it is to see other parents and kids point out your child’s eczema rash, it is a normal reaction that most don’t know how to avoid.

These are just a few of the issues you may face as the parent of a child with eczema. Since your child is young and does not fully understand their skin condition, you must work with them to seek relief.

Common Types of Eczema Reviewed

Eczema Free Forever

Eczema is a chronic skin condition that affects millions of Americans. Although each of these individuals is plagued with sensitive and easily irritated skin, there are different types of eczema. A few of the most common diagnoses made are outlined and briefly reviewed below.

Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic Dermatitis is the most common type of eczema. Luckily, the condition is rarely constant. Instead, those who suffer from this type of eczema experience outbreaks or flare-ups. Trigger factors, which may include certain foods and chemical irritations, are the leading cause of atopic dermatitis. Patients who determine their trigger factors and work to eliminate them tend to experience fewer and less severe flare-ups.

Contact Eczema

Contact eczema is similar to atopic dermatitis, but it results in a localized reaction. A common cause of a contact eczema outbreak is direct skin contact with chemicals. For example, some women may experience flare-ups on their risks, hands, or face after applying makeup. Although anyone can suffer from contact eczema, those with a history of allergies are more prone.

Seborrheic Eczema

Seborrheic eczema, like other forms of the condition, is an inflammation of the skin. The skin is irritated. This eczema, however, is used to describe flare-ups and outbreaks that don’t have a cause. Many areas of the body are targeted, but the face and scalp are most commonly affected. A common example of this type of eczema is cradle cap in babies and infants.

Nummular Eczema

Although relatively rare and uncommon, nummular eczema is another type of diagnosable eczema. The most noticeable and distinguishable feature is patches of irritated skin that are coin shaped. It is a chronic condition. Allergies, family history of eczema, and asthma lead to an increased risk. While anyone can have nummular eczema, it is most common in elderly males.

There are other types of eczema that men, women, and children suffer from. Although the names are different, the treatment options are usually the same. Medical professionals recommend avoiding skin irritants, keeping the body well moisturized, and making the switch to all-natural products. For an accurate diagnosis on what type of eczema you suffer from, schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider.

January 5th, 2010 | Leave a Comment

Eczema Causes: Frequently Asked Questions

Eczema Free Forever

Those who suspect they have eczema often have many questions. Some of those questions are about the cause. Please continue reading on for a list of frequently asked questions and their answers.

Question: Did I do something wrong?
Answer: Eczema creates the uncontrollable urge to itch and scratch. The skin is irritated. Unfortunately, this can result in a larger red rash. That rash when itched more can turn into a patch of dry scaly skin or a blister-like sore that oozes. At this point in time, you may want to shout out “what did I do to deserve this?” The answer is nothing. Eczema is a common skin condition. Although you did nothing to cause eczema, there are steps you can take to treat it and prevent flare-ups. The easiest being keep your skin well moisturized.

Question: What is the cause of eczema?
Answer: There are many different causes. Eczema outbreaks and flare-ups happen to different people and for different reasons. Although there is no one cause for eczema, those with sensitive skin are prone. As for what can cause trigger a flare-up, it can be certain foods, certain chemicals, the weather, and stress even plays a role.

Question: Can I cure my eczema if I find the cause?
Answer: Not likely. While some individuals have one sole cause for eczema outbreaks and flare-ups, others have many. You may find yourself itching and scratching after sweating from the hot weather, after using scented body wash, or after drinking milk. Determining the cause of your uncontrollable itch and eliminating at a source will help, but you are still and may always be prone to episodes.

Question: Will my children develop eczema too?
Answer: Many adults wonder if they can pass eczema onto their children. Yes, you can. Medical professionals have determined that children with immediate family members who have atopic dermatitis are susceptible to the condition too. On that same note, there are many instances in which it is not passed down. In fact, some children develop and live with eczema, but have no prior family history.

Question: How can I treat eczema?
Answer: As stated above, there isn’t a known cause for eczema, but medical professionals are aware of trigger factors. These make eczema worse or cause a flare-up. In addition to keeping your body well moisturized, you can try to determine your trigger factors and avoid them. Keep a daily journal of your day. Document all the foods you eat, what activities you were doing, what products came into contact with your skin and so forth. Compare your journal to an outbreak.

October 25th, 2009 | Leave a Comment

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