Children’s Eczema

Children’s eczema is chronic, superficial inflammation of the skin that is often seen in children with a family history of children’s allergic rhinitis (hayfever), children’s asthma or children’s dermatitis.  Seventy percent of children’s eczema starts under 5 years of age and approximately 50% of infants who suffer from children’s eczema will continue to have one or more symptoms into adulthood.  Children’s eczema can be very stressful where significant lifestyle changes are required, such as missing out on fun activities like going for a swim or playing sports. Common Triggers for Children's Eczema With children's eczema, your child's immune system is highly sensitive and over-reactive to even the slightest environmental or dietary exposures. These may include food intolerances or food allergies, pollens, animal dander or skin changes such as those in exercise-induced dermatitis. In response to these triggers, inflammatory signals are sent to the surface of your skin, causing an itchy, inflamed red patch. When your child scratches their skin, this causes the skin to break down the skin barrier (the outer layer of your skin) and allowing germs and allergens to get inside; this triggers even more inflammation and itching, and sets up a vicious, ‘itch-scratch’ cycle. Signs & Symptoms of Children’s Eczema...