The persistent itch and pain from infections and fissures can interfere with your child’s level of concentration at school, deter them from participating in daily routine activities, and disrupt their sleep. Furthermore, especially children afflicted with severe eczema, the appearance of their lesions can negatively impact their self-esteem and confidence to engage in social situations. To limit the adverse effects, early medical intervention is important. For infants, the face is commonly involved, but the diaper area and underarms are usually clear. The arms and legs are often affected because of rubbing against surfaces from crawling. For children 4-10 years of age, a red and scaly rash is generally found at the bends of the elbows, behind the knees, backs of the wrists and ankles, sides of the neck and earlobes, and infected lesions are very common. Eczema in children can cause a lot of distress – both for parents and their child. Firstly, the key to helping you and your child cope is to seek the advice of your doctor. Secondly, follow a strict routine of moisturizing, applying prescribed medicines (if necessary), and avoiding trigger factors (certain foods, perfumes, pets, environmental influences, etc.). Use mild cleansers for washing and within 2-5 minutes after bathing, when the skin is not yet completely dry, apply a thick cream (butter or greasy-like), such as petroleum jelly, to rehydrate and protect the skin from dryness.
