Where does the eczema usually appear?
Most commonly, eczema occurs on the inner creases of the elbows and knees in children, and on the face and neck in babies.
At what age does childhood eczema occur?
Babies often tend to have dry skin soon after birth. This usually settles down naturally after the first few months of life. Childhood eczema generally first appears between the ages of 6 months and 2 years.
Do children grow out of eczema?
Half of those children who suffer from childhood eczema when they are babies will grow out of it by the time they are six years old, and others by the time they reach their teens. However, it may reappear later in life, especially at times of stress. When this happens, it most commonly occurs on the hands.
Is childhood eczema caused by an allergy?
Childhood eczema is not caused by an allergy, but children with eczema do have hypersensitive skin which may react to allergens such as grass pollen, house dust mites, household pets, and so on. These may aggravate the eczema and make it flare up.
Can certain foods cause childhood eczema?
Very few children with eczema suffer from a food allergy. If you think your child may be allergic to something, ask your Health Visitor or GP for advice.
How can I stop my child scratching?
Scratching is an instinctive reaction to itching, and it is particularly hard for babies and children to resist the urge to scratch. Unfortunately, not only does scratching not stop the itching, it also aggravates the skin and makes the condition worse. The skin becomes sore and inflamed, and eventually cracks and bleeds. It may then become infected. The only effective way to stop a baby scratching is to use cotton mittens, both during the day and in bed at night.
With older children, it's vital to explain to them how scratching will make the condition worse, not better. As a precaution, their fingernails must be kept short to minimise any skin damage, and clean, to avoid infection.
You may notice your child developing a habit of scratching at a particular time of day, or during a particular activity such as watching television. If so, try to break the habit by making that the moment to rub in an emollient cream to relieve the itching
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