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Eczema
How Is It Treated?
http://www.nycdermatologist.com
Topical corticosteroids, also called cortisone or steroid creams or ointments, are commonly used to treat eczema and are not the same as the steroids used by some athletes. These medicines are usually applied directly to the affected areas twice a day.
Continue to apply the corticosteroids for as long as your child's doctor suggests. It's also important not to use a topical steroid prescribed for someone else. These creams and ointments vary in strength, and using the wrong strength in sensitive areas can damage the skin, especially in infants.
Nonsteroid medications are also available now in creams or ointments that can be used instead of - or in conjunction with - topical steroids.
Other prescription treatments your child's doctor may recommend could include:
antihistamines (to help to control itching)
oral or topical antibiotics (to prevent or treat secondary infections, which are common in children with eczema)
Some older children with severe eczema may also be treated with ultraviolet light under the supervision of a dermatologist to help clear up their condition and make them more comfortable. In some cases, newer medications that change the way the skin's immune system reacts are also prescribed.
What Can I Do to Help My Child?
You can help prevent or treat your child's eczema by keeping your child's skin from becoming dry or itchy and avoiding known triggers that cause flare-ups. It may help to follow these suggestions:
Avoid giving your child frequent hot baths, which tend to dry the skin.
Use warm water with mild soaps or nonsoap cleansers when bathing your child.
Avoid using scented soaps.
Ask your child's doctor if it's OK to use oatmeal soaking products in the bath to help control the itching.
Avoid excessive scrubbing and toweling after bathing your child. Instead, gently pat your child's skin dry.
Avoid dressing your child in harsh or irritating clothing, such as wool or coarsely woven materials. Dress your child in soft clothes that "breathe," such as those made from cotton.
Apply moisturizing ointments (such as petroleum jelly), lotions, or creams to your child's skin regularly and always within a few minutes of bathing, after a very light towel dry. Even if your child is using a corticosteroid cream prescribed by the doctor, apply moisturizers or lotions frequently (ideally, two to three times a day). But be sure to avoid alcohol-containing lotions and moisturizers, which can make your child's skin drier. Some baby products can also contribute to children's dry skin.
Apply cool compresses (such as a wet, cool washcloth) on the irritated areas of your child's skin to ease itching.
Keep your child's fingernails short to minimize any skin damage caused by scratching.
Try having your child wear comfortable, light gloves to bed if scratching at night is a problem.
Help your child avoid becoming overheated, which can lead to flare-ups.
Eliminate any known allergens such as certain foods, dust, or pet dander from your household. (This has been shown to help the condition in some young children.)
Have your child drink plenty of water, which adds moisture to the skin.
Although eczema can be annoying and uncomfortable for children, its emotional impact can become the most significant problem as your child gets older - especially during the preteen and teen years. And your child will need to take responsibility for following the strategies described above.
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