Childhood Eczema – Diagnosis and Treatment
Childhood Eczema is a skin disorder which effects many children the diagnosis and treatment of this disease in childhood is somewhat different to that in adulthood. Parents should be aware of how to detect eczema in their child and the necessary treatments for this common disorder.
Eczema is often referred to as atopic dermatitis and is a common skin disorder which will very often first present itself in young babies between the ages of two and six months of age. The exact cause of this condition is still unknown but it is known not to be contagious and that with correct treatment the disease can be controlled and cured.
Often by the age of five to eight years the condition may disappear completely. If this happens the condition may never return or it can present itself in later life.
As eczema first appears as an itchy rash on the skin it is imperative for parents to be aware of the correct initial diagnosis so that effective treatment can be carried out. Eczema as explained can often be confused with a rash and both conditions are very similar. Eczema will appear as itchy reddened skin as with a rash but will also show with dry skin and small bumps on the skin. Also eczema will not respond to normal rash remedies.
A normal rash will respond well to over the counter rash medicines but eczema will need specialist treatment. If a rash does not clear up quickly with normal remedies it may be eczema and medical advice should be sought.
Eczema is often recognised as a hereditary condition being passed from parent to child through their genes. If there is a history of eczema in your family there is an increased risk of eczema for your baby.
Mainstream treatment of childhood eczema will include the use of specialist creams and ointments which are designed to treat the disease. Anti itch medicines such as anti histamines may also be prescribed to decrease the itchy feeling caused by the disease.
Main stream eczema drugs can be very powerful in their nature, many include steroids, and the possibility side effects should be discussed with your physician. Many parents today are turning toward more natural treatments which are proving popular and effective in the treatment of childhood eczema.
