3 out of 5 children living with eczema developed symptoms before the age of 1 year.
Infants, children, and teens who have eczema that keeps coming back may be living with a chronic condition called atopic dermatitis. This is caused, in part, by an overactive immune system. Understanding this can help how you approach managing this condition for your child.
3 out of 5 children living with eczema developed symptoms before the age of 1 year.
How we view and discuss eczema affects how we manage it. Prepare for those conversations at every age.
Because your child can’t fully communicate yet, you do your best to monitor and assess their condition. The descriptions and observations you provide to their healthcare provider are critical to your child receiving proper care.
Learn more about some important topics to consider:
Be able to describe any rashes in terms of color and texture. It can be helpful to take pictures in between appointments to have a record to show the healthcare provider.
Remember to bring up when your child first started to experience eczema symptoms.
Make sure to explain if your child has constant, frequent, or occasional flare-ups.
While nearly all infants are inconsistent when it comes to sleep, it is important to mention if you notice a connection between their symptoms and their inability to rest comfortably.
Tell the doctor if you notice your child frequently itching. Itchy skin is often caused in part by inflammation under the skin.
Describe any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC)/nonprescription product, including topical creams and ointments, that you are using or have used in the past for your child’s condition.
When you have a child 5 years or under with eczema, you are often at the beginning of their journey with this disease. You may not know that those recurring flare-ups on the surface of your child’s skin could be the outward signs of inflammation beneath the skin caused in part by an overactive immune system.
There’s more to learn. Get an even better understanding of eczema.
Your child has questions about everything, including why their skin is itchy. The topics below are good conversation starters and can help them understand their condition better.
“Unfortunately, you may have to live with eczema your whole life. But doctors are understanding more about what causes it every day. This will help us understand your eczema better.”
“The reason you are itching is because you are kind of stuck in what people call an itch-scratch cycle. Scratching can make the itching worse. It's like a merry-go-round that doesn't seem to stop.”
“It’s a condition called eczema. It is dry, itchy skin, but it’s not contagious. You can’t catch it from me.”
“I know flare-ups can be tough, but remember you’re beautiful and I love you.”
“I don’t know the answer to that, but I bet your doctor does. We can ask them at your next appointment.”
It can be hard to find the right time or way to talk to your teen about their eczema. Here are some quick tips and ways to help your teen understand an underlying cause of eczema.
1 out of 5 children never outgrow eczema, but they might outgrow their current treatment plan. Here are a few things to consider before, during, and after your child’s next visit to the doctor to find a plan that works for you.
BEFORE
DURING
AFTER
You may want to consult a specialist, like a dermatologist or allergist, for your child’s eczema if you haven't already.