Kids with eczema have dry, sensitive skin that can get red and itchy. Sometimes their immune system overreacts and mistakes healthy skin cells for harmful substances like an allergen or an infection.
Eczema rash often appears in the creases of elbows and knees, around the eyes and mouth, and wrists and ankles. Keeping the skin moisturized and avoiding triggers can help improve symptoms.
Signs of Eczema
Symptoms of eczema in babies and children can vary by age. Babies often have a red, irritated, itchy rash on their cheeks and heads, which may weep or crust over. Scratching can make the rash worse and cause infection. Some baby rashes can become thicker and darker (called lichenification).
In toddlers, itchy eczema patches usually appear on the knees, elbows and wrists and may be cracked and dry. It can also occur in the diaper area, especially if the child is a crawler and rubs against surfaces. Children can also have a rash on the neck, eyelids or ears. Older kids and teens may have a rash all over their bodies or in the folds of the elbows or behind the knees. Itchy skin can lead to a bacterial infection, so it should be kept clean.
Your baby can help control their eczema by using moisturizer on their skin daily and avoiding irritants that trigger flare-ups. Moisturizers that contain ceramides are best, and they can be purchased over the counter or with a prescription. Ointments are preferred over creams as they seal in moisture better.
Talk to your doctor if your baby has a new rash or if the rash is getting thicker and darker. They can also recommend a food challenge to see if certain foods trigger flare-ups. But be cautious about making restrictive dietary changes, as it’s unknown whether or how much this helps.
Symptoms of Eczema in Babies
Many babies experience eczema, also called atopic dermatitis (AD), in the first few years of life. Babies with eczema have dry skin that is itchy and red. This skin can crack easily and become infected, making it difficult for a baby’s immune system to keep germs away from their body. This may be because people with eczema have less protein filaggrin in their skin, which acts like a sentry and maintains a strong barrier to protect against viruses and bacteria.
Baby eczema usually appears on the cheeks, head and neck but can appear anywhere on the body, especially around the mouth or eyes. It can be triggered by allergies or irritants such as soaps, fabrics, pet dander and certain foods, and it may get worse during seasonal changes or when a baby is stressed or feverish.
Caregivers can help reduce itching and flare-ups by keeping babies hydrated, moisturizing the skin daily and avoiding irritants. They should also make sure the baby’s fingernails are cut short to prevent scratching, and if they are very itchy, use over-the-counter hydrocortisone creams or ointments. Talk to a doctor if your baby’s rash gets oozing, infected or has pus-filled blisters. This could indicate that your baby has a bacterial infection that needs antibiotics. Your doctor might also recommend bleach baths and medicated ointments to treat the infection.
Symptoms of Eczema in Children
Many infants develop eczema, especially in the first few months after birth. It usually appears as red, dry patches on the scalp and around the mouth. Some babies also have scaly, greasy patches on their legs and buttocks. Eczema is itchy and sometimes irritated but is not contagious. The itching can increase if your baby scratches the rash too much, which makes the skin break open and lead to infection.
It may take a few weeks or months for the rash to improve. Some children grow out of eczema by age 5 or 6, but some have it all through their teen years and adulthood. Things like certain foods, perfumes or smoke can trigger eczema. Stress, allergies and cold temperatures can also exacerbate it.
Moisturize your baby often with fragrance-free ointments and creams made for sensitive skin. Dress them in loose cotton clothes, and wash new clothing before putting it on your child. Give them one short bath a day with lukewarm water, and avoid rubbing their skin too much (especially with rough washcloths, loofahs or towels). Keep fingernails short so your baby doesn’t scratch the rash. Also, some kids with eczema need an allergy medicine by mouth at bedtime to help stop itching. Before using these medications, talk to your doctor about what’s causing your child’s itching.
Symptoms of Eczema in Adults
A person with eczema has itchy, red, scaly patches of skin. These inflamed areas may be oozy or crusty, and they might crack and bleed. The rash usually flares up and then disappears, but it can recur. People with eczema tend to scratch their skin, which can worsen the rash and cause infections.
The rash can appear anywhere on the body, but it tends to show up in the cheeks and scalp of infants and the skin folds (like the creases on knees or elbows) of older children. It can also recur on the neck, hands, wrists, ankles and legs. People with darker skin may find their eczema looks ashen, grey or darker brown.
There is no specific test to diagnose eczema, but your doctor will examine the rash and ask about symptoms and your family history. It’s important to know if anyone in your family has a history of eczema or other conditions like asthma or hay fever.
The treatment goal for eczema is to reduce inflammation and prevent itching. Your dermatologist may prescribe a topical corticosteroid, which reduces swelling and itching. They may also recommend a moisturizer. This could be a cream, ointment or spray, and it should be used according to the instructions on the label.