The
most common form of eczema in infant’s and toddlers
is ‘cradle cap’. The exact cause of this
is unknown but some researchers believe it is linked
to overactive sebaceous (oil) glands in the skin.
Cradle cap generally has the appearance of: yellow,
flakey, scaly and patchy or even a greasy rash on
a newborn’s head. Most incidences of cradle
cap develop in the first few months’s of life
but have been known to appear in much older babies.
Cradle cap is not an indicator of poor hygiene, neglect
or abuse. It generally clears up on it’s own
as a baby matures, but some parents/caregivers choose
to try home remedies, over the counter shampoo’s
or even medicated cream’s prescribed by a pediatrician.
Before attempting any form of treatment on your infant,
please consult your healthcare professional. Infant’s
skin is sensitive and you could quite possibly break
the skin or worsen the condition/appearance.
When eczema
appears on other parts of the body (face, inside elbows,
behind knees, buttocks, neck) it is referred to as
‘Atopic eczema’. This type of eczema is
believed to be somewhat hereditary. The difference
between this type of eczema and cradle cap is this
type comes with discomfort. Where cradle cap does
not bother a child, this form of eczema causes skin
to itch. Itching these areas causes the skin to thicken,
blister and weep. This can then cause the skin to
develop an infection. Science has also linked the
increased risk of developing asthma and hay fever
to atopic eczema.
Children
who suffer from atopic eczema will experience ‘flare
ups’. The affected areas will be bothersome
and then get better. Special consideration needs to
be made for school aged children. Eczema can be embarrassing.
Be sure to give your child a lot of reassurance.
Another
form of eczema is the type that is brought on by external
factors. Some people develop eczema after exposure
to an allergen or something that is irritating to
the skin. The only way to prevent or cure this form
of eczema is to avoid contact with the allergen or
remove the irritant from your surroundings.
Many people
complain in the winter months of ‘winter skin’.
Person’s most affected by this are those that
live in areas where the climate becomes very cold/snowy
in the winter. The skin becomes dry, itchy and irritated.
The condition can become so severe that it develops
into eczema.
There
are several things you can do as a parent if your
child suffers from eczema:
1.) Only
purchase detergent soaps that are free of dyes and
perfumes.
2.) During eczema flare ups, washing your child with
soap can actually make the condition worse. When skin
becomes irritated, simply rinse your child with water.
3.) Apply moisturizer (designed for sensitive skin)
daily to help keep skin moistened.
4.) Remind your child how important it is not to scratch
their skin.
5.) Ask your child’s doctor if anti-itch lotion
is appropriate.
6.) In severe cases, doctors can prescribe topical
creams to help suppress symptoms. The use of such
creams (including steroids) on young children is a
controversial topic in the health community. Ask questions
and do some research on the suggested medication if
this is offered as a treatment option.
The most
important thing you can do for your child that suffers
with eczema is reassure them that eczema is not a
punishment. Most children who develop eczema will
out grow the condition before their sixth birthday.
Eczema can be hard on a child’s self-esteem
and it is important for us to help keep them confident
and to not be ashamed of their bodies.
©
Rebecca Pillar 2007
