Virtual Children's Hospital: CQQA: Eczema

Pediatrics Common Questions, Quick Answers

Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)

Donna D'Alessandro, M.D.
Lindsay Huth, B.A.
Peer Review Status: Internally Reviewed
Creation Date: February 2002
Last Revision Date: April 2002

Common Questions, Quick Answers

What is eczema?

What causes eczema?

The exact cause of eczema is not known.
If a parent has eczema, allergies, or asthma, their children are more like to have eczema.
Symptoms may be triggered by contact with materials such as dust, down comforters, feathers, wool, or perfumed lotions. Sweaty activities, stress, or quick changes of temperature also may cause itching.
Very rarely, symptoms can be triggered by an allergic reaction to a food or pet. Avoiding the food or pet may improve symptoms but won't cure the eczema.
Triggers and symptoms are different for each person.

Who can get eczema?

Anyone can have eczema, but it is most common in infants and young adults.
It often runs in families. If a parent has eczema, allergies, or asthma, their child is likely to have eczema.

What are the symptoms of eczema?

Red, itchy skin.
Rash.
Blisters or bumps that itch and ooze.
Scaly, brownish, thick skin.
Patches can be anywhere but usually are on the face, scalp, and behind the ears.
The rash is sometimes on the fingers, palms, back of the hands, and on the elbows, knees, and feet.
People with eczema feel the need to scratch and rub their skin.
Itching is usually worst at night.
If the child scratches until the skin breaks or bleeds, the skin could get infected.
Babies with eczema usually do not show symptoms until they are 6 weeks or older.
Most rashes disappear after a few days. A rash caused by eczema may go away for a short time but will usually come back.
Illness, such as a cold, often makes symptoms worse.

Is eczema contagious?

How is eczema treated?

Symptoms can be treated best if the disease is diagnosed early.
Talk to the doctor or a dermatologist (skin doctor) if you believe your child has eczema. The doctor will tell you what treatment is best.
Eczema is sometimes improved by avoiding contact with certain materials, such as dust, down comforters, feathers, wool, and perfumed lotions.
Soaking in a bath of body temperature water might help keep the skin moist and soft and stop itching. Dry off by patting the skin with a towel. Do not rub. Put cream on your skin immediately after drying off.
Avoiding sweaty activities, stress, and quick changes of temperature may also help.
The doctor might recommend creams, ointments, or lotions to ease symptoms. These need to be applied very often throughout the day.
Oral medications (by mouth) are sometimes helpful.
In rare cases, a doctor might recommend ultraviolet light treatments (putting skin under special lights).
Discourage your child from scratching her skin.

How long does eczema last?

Eczema usually improves as children get older. Most cases improve by the age of 25.
Some people have it all their lives.

How can eczema be prevented?
Having eczema can't be prevented, but taking certain measures often helps prevent some of the symptoms:

If your child has eczema, try to avoid things that could irritate her skin.
Avoid wool. Wearing clothes made of cotton is usually best.
Children with eczema may need to use a mild soap such as Dove, Oil of Olay, Aveeno, or Cetaphil.
Body temperature water is best for baths and washing hands. Hot water will dry the skin out and make symptoms worse.
Cold air can dry the skin out and make eczema worse. Children with eczema on their hands should wear gloves when they go outside in winter.
Avoid contact with household cleaners. If your child with eczema is helping you clean, have her wear gloves.
Use creams, ointments, or lotion many times throughout the day to keep the skin soft. Use cream that is not perfumed. Some doctors suggest using a petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline.
Skin can get especially dry in the winter. Be sure to use moisturizer.
Avoid hot and sweaty activities and places. Use light sheets and blankets on your child's bed.
If stress triggers the itching in your child, try to avoid daily activities that cause stress.

When should I call the doctor?

Call the doctor if your child's eczema does not improve after 3 weeks of treatment.
If you believe that a food is triggering your child's eczema, talk to a doctor.
Call the doctor if your child has both a fever and a rash.
Call the doctor if you have questions or concerns about your child's condition.

Quick Answers

Eczema is a common skin disease that includes different types of inflamed (red, itchy rash) skin.
The symptoms of eczema are sometimes triggered by contact with materials such as dust or perfumed lotions. Sweaty activities, stress, or quick changes of temperature also may cause itching.
If a parent has eczema, allergies, or asthma, their child is more likely to have eczema.
The symptoms of eczema can include red, itchy skin, rash, blisters or bumps that itch and ooze, or scaly, brownish, thick skin.
Eczema is not contagious.
The doctor might recommend creams or medication to ease the symptoms of eczema.
Eczema usually improves as children get older.
If your child has eczema, try to avoid things that could irritate her skin.
Call the doctor if you have questions or concerns about your child's condition.

References

The American Academy of Dermatology. Eczema / Atopic Dermatitis. 1995 (cited 2002 January 14). Available from: URL: http://www.aad.org/pamphlets/eczema.html
American Academy of Family Physicians. Eczema: Tips on how to care for your skin. 2000 October (cited 2002 January 14). Available from: URL:http://www.familydoctor.org/handouts/176.html
The National Eczema Association. Atopic Dermatitis in Children. 1998 (cited 2002 January 14). Available from: http://www.eczema-assn.org/atopic_dermatitis_children.html

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