Eczema is a skin disease that is known to affect a significant number of people especially children and infants. For a parent, it is important to identify the initial symptoms of eczema to regulate the condition of the child’s skin. But what does eczema look like, and how can one know if their child is among the ones affected by the condition?
Eczema is a long term illness that results in the inflammation and cracking of the skin as well as intense itching. It can occur at any part of the body; however, in children below the age of five, it is mostly identified on the face, scalp, hands as well as the folds of the elbows and knees.
The symptoms of eczema include but are not limited to the following: The skin of the child will develop red rashes that may be smooth or cracked and will be itchy. Symptoms of eczema can often change with the age of the baby but in infants, it presents itself as red and dry skin on the cheeks, forehead, or scalp. These patches may weep or form scabs if the baby scratches it. Watching your child upset and distressed is not a happy sight, but do not be tempted to scratch off any scabs for that can lead to an infection.
There is a likelihood that the position of the eczema patches may change as children age. They could develop dry skin and patches on their skin especially at the back of their knees or on the inside of their elbows. The skin may also look thick and leathery in some areas because the child keeps on scratching and rubbing the affected areas. Sometimes the skin turns rough and may even form small, red and raised patches that are likely to be very itchy.
Another thing that is characteristic of eczema is its tendency to itch almost constantly. Your child could be seen scratching the skin, whether waking up from sleep or even whilst still asleep. This scratching can result to further irritation and formation of a rash and at times even formation of cracks which can lead to infections. It is advisable to have a closer look if your child is always scratching.
Another identifying factor that can be seen from the skin is the colour of the eczema. The symptoms of eczema in light-skinned children are red or pinkish in colour but due to the skin pigmentation, eczema in children with darker skin tones might appear brown, purple, or even greyish. Any part of the skin that is affected may be hot to touch when the patient is experiencing a flare up.
However, what one must understand is that the symptoms of eczema may vary day by day. In flare-up, the skin may become even more red and perhaps more swollen than usual. In between flare-up, skin may look almost normal but will be slightly dry or may even have a discolouration.
So how would you be able to distinguish eczema from the other skin conditions? Eczema is different from nappy rash because it can be experienced on any part of the body unlike nappy rash which is only felt in the area of the nappy. As for heat rash, it is a short-lived condition and symptoms subside as soon as the skin cools down, whereas eczema is a long-term condition that has periods of flare-ups and remission.
If you have good reasons to believe your child may have eczema, you should discuss this with your family doctor or dermatologist. They can help in coming up with the correct diagnosis and the right treatment.
As much as eczema can be a nuisance to the child and the parent, it is essential to understand that the condition can be managed. Another advantage of growing up is that many children discover that their skin condition will decrease in severity or they will grow out of it entirely.
Here are some things that you can do at home to ease your child’s eczema while waiting for a doctor’s appointment. Make sure their skin is moisturised, avoid using scented soaps and washing powders and dress them in soft, loose clothing preferably cotton. It is also important to trim the nails of your child to avoid him or her scratching the skin.
It is recommended that eczema should be diagnosed early because this will help in the management of the condition of your child as well as reduction of complications. By knowing what to look for – those dry, itchy patches, the constant scratching, the skin’s roughened, altered colour – you are already doing much for your child.
Please, do not forget that every child is different and the manifestation of eczema can be different in every child. If you are ever in doubt of changes of your child’s skin, do not entertain any doubts and consult a professional. As you now know, with proper information and management, you and your child can manage the difficulties of eczema and have healthy skin.