If you are reading this, you are probably searching for answers and wondering what is this rash on my baby’s skin? Why is he so agitated and scratching uncontrollably? How did he learn how to scratch himself before learning how to crawl? Did he have a reaction to something he consumed or touched? Is there something I did wrong? For most parents such as myself, after consulting with their child’s pediatrician, this is the first sign that their child has eczema. So what now?
If you were like me two year ago, there are probably a million questions going through your head. What is eczema? Why does my child have it? Is this hereditary and am I responsible? What do I do next? And lastly…how do manage eczema on my child’s beautiful Brown Skin. Good news! You have come to the right place. My Itchy Brown Skin is here to hopefully answer your questions and guide you through your journey, as we continue to embark on ours. But first, let’s tackle the first question…what is eczema?
What is eczema?
Eczema is the name for a group of conditions that cause the skin to become itchy and inflamed with patches that look like raised tiny bumps. In lighter complexions, these patches are typically red. The most common types of eczema that affect children are atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema and seborrheic dermatitis, aka “cradle cap.” It is important that you consult with your child’s pediatrician to determine what type of eczema your child has.
Babies and children generally begin experiencing eczema outbreaks on their face (i.e. cheeks and chin), and then later in the crease of their elbows and the back of their knees. However, eczema flare ups can appear anywhere on the body with varying symptoms from one child to the next. Eczema can range from mild, moderate, to severe
Rest assure that you are not alone, as eczema is a very common condition. Millions of children develop eczema, especially atopic dermatitis, in the first six months of life. While there is no cure for eczema, most types of eczema can be managed with a few helpful tips. My Itchy Brown Skin is here to provide support with tackling eczema together. Now, let see what the signs of eczema are.
What are the signs?
Look for the following signs to determine if your child is developing eczema or is having a breakout:
- Dry and sensitive skin
- Red and inflamed skin (most noticeable on light skinned complexions)
- Intense itching that resemble an internal mosquito bite
- Dark colored patches of skin (darker complexions)
- Tough, rough, and leathery or scaly patches of skin
- Oozing or crusting (severe cases)
- Areas of swelling and whelps on the skin
How did my child develop eczema? Am I responsible?
My pediatrician advised me that they could not determine the exact cause of eczema. However, what we do know is that children who have a family history of atopic dermatitis, asthma, and allergies are more than likely to develop some form of eczema.
Eczema develops overtime and looks and acts differently in infants and toddlers in comparison to older children. As children grow, the appearance and location can change.
Click here for a fact sheet on the different stages of eczema from Infant to 5 years and older
Things to Keep in Mind
Keep the following things in mind to minimize flare ups:
- Know your child’s triggers. The most common types of triggers are:
- Dry skin
- Allergies (i.e., food, pollen, pets, dust, etc.)
- Irritants (e.g., non-eczema friendly moisturizers, lotions, shampoos)
- Heat and sweating
- Infections and viruses
- Create a daily bathing and moisturizing routine to keep the skin moisturized and protected. See our helpful tips section.
- Find out what Over the Counter and organic products work best for your child and use them regularly. See our recommended products.
- Use any prescription products as directed.
Eczema has the tendency to flare up during season changes, especially in the winter when the air is dry and in the spring when the pollen count is high. If you have a young infant, saliva from drooling can also cause irritation and flare ups on your baby’s cheeks, chin, and neck.
I hope the information I provided was informative and helpful in identifying and managing eczema for your child/children.
To learn more about the stages of childhood eczema click here.