Eczema Care

As anyone who experiences eczema can attest, the itching and associated skin symptoms are uncomfortable, disruptive, and frustrating. At the office of Kiddies' Pal Pediatrics, we provide the skilled care required to treat and alleviate the discomfort associated with this condition.

What is eczema

Eczema, or "atopic dermatitis," is a common skin condition that affects more than ten percent of the population nationwide. Characterized by patches of skin that are itchy, inflamed, red, cracked, rough, and sometimes blistered, the condition is associated with a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Eczema affects both adults and children alike. For children with a parent who has a history of eczema or another atopic disease such as allergic asthma or hay fever, the risk of developing eczema is greater. However, it is not in any way contagious.

Eczema can affect the skin anywhere on the body. With symptoms that vary person-to-person, flare-ups may be triggered by environmental factors that range from irritants such as soaps or detergents, allergens, bacteria, or other microbes, to temperature extremes, certain foods, stress, and hormones. Moreover, the itching that comes with eczema can be so intense that the skin becomes further irritated, increasing the inflammation and the urge to scratch even more. Without relief, this itch-scratch cycle can even lead to bleeding and skin infections.

How is eczema diagnosed and treated?

Eczema can often be diagnosed based upon a child's medical history and clinical examination. Additional tests such as skin testing, blood testing, and food elimination may be performed to rule out other conditions or identify if eczema is related to a food allergy.

In some cases, parents may mistake seborrheic dermatitis, another common chronic inflammatory skin condition that typically affects infants under one-year-old, for eczema. As characterized by red, scaly, and sometimes greasy patches, seborrheic dermatitis may appear as a "cradle cap" on the scalp or as scaly patches in skin folds. Unlike eczema, it's typically less itchy and usually resolves on its own within the first few months as the baby's oil glands mature.

At the office of Kiddies' Pal Pediatrics, our goal is to provide an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment that support your little one’s skin health and relieve symptoms for their comfort and quality of life. We follow clinical care guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) to ensure safe, effective, and evidence-based treatment.

Treatment for eczema may include:

• Prescription topicals
• Systemic medications