Clinical Reference Systems: Pediatric Advisor 10.0
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Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)
DESCRIPTION
- red, extremely itchy rash
- often starts on the cheeks at 2 to 6 months of age
- most common on flexor surfaces (creases) of elbows,
wrists, and knees
- occasionally on neck, ankles, and feet
- if scratched, rash becomes raw and weepy
- constant dry skin.
Previous confirmation of this diagnosis by a physician is
helpful.
CAUSE
Eczema is an inherited type of sensitive, dry skin. A
personal history of asthma or hay fever or a family history
of eczema makes it more likely that your child has eczema.
Flareups occur when there is contact with irritating
substances (for example, soap or chlorine).
In 30% of infants with eczema, certain foods cause the
eczema to flare up. If you suspect a particular food item
(for example, cow's milk, eggs, or peanut butter) is causing
your child's flareups, feed that food to your child one time
(a "challenge") after avoiding it for 2 weeks. If the food
does cause flareups, the eczema should become itchy or
develop hives within 2 hours of eating the food. If this
occurs, avoid ever giving this food to your child and talk
to your physician about food substitutes.
EXPECTED COURSE
This is a chronic condition and will usually not go away
before adolescence. Therefore, early treatment of any
itching is the key to preventing a severe rash.
HOME TREATMENT
- Steroid creams
Steroid cream is the main treatment for the itch of
eczema. Use the steroid cream prescribed by your
child's physician. The physician will tell you how
often you should apply the cream when the eczema flares
up. When the rash quiets down, use it at least once a
day for an additional 2 weeks. After that, use it
immediately on any spot that itches. When you travel
with your child, always take the steroid cream with you.
If your supply starts to run out, get the prescription
renewed.
- Bathing and hydrating the skin
Hydration of the skin followed by lubricating cream is
the main way to prevent flare-ups of eczema. Your child
should have one bath a day for 10 minutes. Water-soaked
skin is far less itchy. Eczema is very sensitive to
soaps, especially bubble bath. Young children can
usually be cleaned without any soaps. Teenagers need a
soap to wash under the arms, the genital area, and the
feet. They can use a nondrying soap such as Dove for
these areas. Keep shampoo off the eczema.
- Lubricating cream
Children with eczema always have dry skin. After a
10-minute bath, the skin is hydrated and feels good.
Help trap the moisture in the skin by applying an outer
layer lubricating cream to the entire skin surface while
it is damp. Apply it after steroid cream has been
applied to any itchy areas. Apply the lubricating cream
once daily (twice a day during the winter). Some
lubricating creams are Keri, Lubriderm, Nivea, and
Nutraderm. Avoid applying any ointments, petroleum
jelly, or vegetable shortening because they can block the
sweat glands, increase the itching, and worsen the rash
(especially in warm weather). Also, soap is needed to
wash them off. For severe eczema, ointments may be
needed temporarily to heal the skin.
- Itching
At the first sign of any itching, apply the steroid
cream to the area that itches. Keep your child's
fingernails cut short. Also, wash your child's hands
with water frequently to avoid infecting the eczema.
PREVENTION
Wool fibers and clothes made of other scratchy, rough
materials make eczema worse. Cotton clothes should be worn
as much as possible. Avoid triggers that cause eczema to
flare up, such as: excessive heat, sweating, excessive
cold, dry air (use a humidifier), chlorine, harsh chemicals,
and soaps. Never use bubble bath. Also, keep your child
off the grass during grass pollen season (May and June).
Keep your child away from anyone with fever blisters since
the herpesvirus can cause a serious skin infection in
children with eczema.
Try to breast-feed all high-risk infants. Otherwise, use a
soy formula. Also try to avoid cow's milk products, soy,
eggs, peanut butter, wheat, and fish during your infant's
first year.
CALL YOUR CHILD'S PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY IF:
- The rash looks infected and your child has a fever.
- The rash flares up after contact with fever blisters.
CALL YOUR CHILD'S PHYSICIAN WITHIN 24 HOURS IF:
- The rash becomes raw and open in several places.
- The rash looks infected (red streaks, pus, yellow scabs)
- The rash hasn't greatly improved in 7 days of this
treatment.
- You have other concerns or questions.
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