CHILDREN’S HEALTH: ECZEMA
Eczema is a common, non-contagious rash in children. Generally, it starts between one month and two years of age, but sometimes it begins later. Eczema may disappear after two years of age, or it may appear oft” and on throughout childhood.
The cause of eczema is questionable but the condition is usually inherited. Eczema is a form of atopic dermatitis (any inflammation of the skin due to allergy). Children who have eczema often later develop other allergies, such as hay fever, asthma, and eye allergies.
Eczema sometimes is an allergic reaction to foods, beverages, and medications (including vitamin supplements). It also may be an allergic reaction to substances that come in contact with the skin. In some children, conditions such as heat or cold or emotions such as anger may cause itching and scaly skin all over the body.
Skin affected by eczema can easily become infected, especially if the skin is scratched. Common complications of eczema include infections with herpes simplex virus, vaccinia virus, and impetigo.
The eczema rash is dry, slightly scaly, pink, and itchy. The rash becomes red from rubbing and scratching. There is no fever or other symptoms, except when scratching causes an infection.
Eczema often begins on the cheeks (“clown” eczema) and around the mouth. It may also crop up on the buttocks or elsewhere. The most common location is behind the knees and in the folds of the elbows. Eczema rarely covers the entire body. It sometimes takes the form of round coin-like patches scattered on the body (nummular eczema). When it appears in this round patchy form, eczema may be confused with ringworm and pityriasis rosea. Often eczema occurs in combination with seborrhea (cradle cap).
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