Why Isn't My Child's Eczema Improving?

Eczema (also known as atopic dermatitis) is a chronic skin condition that affects 10%-20% of children, most commonly in infancy or early childhood. In approximately 90% of cases, eczema resolves completely within a few years. However, for some kids, this itchy, frustrating condition can last into puberty or beyond.

At Leading Edge Dermatology, with locations in Plantation and Ft Lauderdale, Florida, dermatology specialists Dr. Elyse Julian, Dr. Benjamin Kahn, Alana Willis, PA-C, Natalia Prieto, PA-C, and Dr. Paloma Reiter offer pediatric dermatology services to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of common skin conditions like eczema.

Eczema basics

Eczema causes dry, scaly, and itchy skin (pruritis). It often shows up in the first six months of life, taking your baby’s skin from smooth and dewy to dry, red, and scaly. It’s thought that eczema is caused by a problem with the protective skin barrier, aggravated by genetics and environmental allergens.  

Symptoms of eczema

Eczema symptoms can show up anywhere on the body, but the hands, wrists, cheeks, and neck often are affected first. Symptoms of eczema include:

• Itchiness (pruritis)
• Skin rash, bumps, or swelling
• Redness, flaking, or scaling skin
• Crusty or leathery skin patches

Children with eczema are more likely to have food allergies, hayfever, and asthma than children without eczema.

Treatment for eczema

The leading treatment for eczema addresses skin dryness. Daily applications of a neutral emollient (moisturizer) applied heavily and allowed to soak into the skin are the best way to support the skin barrier and reduce itching and skin deterioration.   

If itching gets worse and skin starts to change texture and color, topical creams can be applied to further cut down on itching and skin reactions to inflammation. Wet wrapping (applying emollient or medication, covering with wet gauze, and finishing up with a wrap of dry gauze) can also help.

It’s critical to treat eczema continually to avoid staph infections. Staph can be treated with antibiotics, but some strains are extremely resistant to available medications. Prevention is the safest way to manage eczema flares.

When eczema doesn’t improve

If your child’s eczema flares continue or even get worse with age, you may wonder why. No one knows exactly why some children improve and others don’t. Several new drugs on the market can help address eczema flares in children over the age of six and adults, and some patients find relief with phototherapy (light therapy.)

Understanding what triggers a flare can help your growing child manage their condition. Common eczema triggers include:

• Allergies
• Certain soaps, cleaners, or detergents (especially ones with added fragrance)
• Cigarette smoke in a room, car, home, or outdoor space
• Clothing made of wool or certain man-made fabrics
• Dust or sand
• Foods like eggs, milk, fish, soy, or wheat
• Long, hot baths or showers
• Low humidity
• Rapid changes in temperature
• Stress
• Sweating

By avoiding triggers, establishing a daily skin care routine, and being ready for flares, your child can enjoy life more. There are good odds that eczema will go away by adulthood, so don’t give up hope.

To learn more about childhood eczema and the treatment options available, schedule a consultation with the team at Leading Edge Dermatology. Visit our contact page to learn more about locations near you, or request an appointment online.