About 9 percent of the U.S. population is affected by atopic dermatitis, and the prevalence appears to be increasing, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology

Eczema is most common in children, but can also occur later in life for people who have a history of asthma or allergic rhinitis. Signs of eczema can be:  

• Very dry skin

• Oozing skin

• skin looks like a red, itchy, scaly rash

The severity of the rash will depend on how bad your child's allergy is.

For additional articles on this subject see: Common Skin Problems Eczema is a Relatively Common Problem

“Prevention is the main treatment for this allergic skin condition. By avoiding your trigger, you can avoid the uncomfortable rash all together,” said Donald W. Russell, MD.  “Keeping your child's skin lubricated with lotions and creams, especially during dry seasons, such as winter, will help to lock the moisture in their skin and protect against future rashes.”

Common triggers are:  

• Overheating or sweating

• Contact with irritants such as wool, pets, soaps, and certain foods

Sometimes avoiding a trigger is not always possible, especially if you do not know what it is. If your child does have a reaction, try to have them not scratch or rub the rash. You can apply cold compresses and lubricate their dry skin with a cream or an ointment.

“Since eczema is most common in children, parents should be especially aware of the triggers that cause a child’s rash,” Russell said. Food is one of the main culprits for children, so make sure you discuss with your pediatrician that possibility if you see these symptoms. Eczema can make children irritable and cranky, so finding the trigger as soon as possible will be beneficial to the whole family.

There are three main signs physicians look for when diagnosing eczema:  

1. Itchy skin  

2. Bubbly rash  

3. Previous allergy history  

If one of these three things is missing, your child's skin condition may be caused by something else.

Your child's physician can prescribe a wide variety of treatments as well as over-the-counter medications. There are topical medications, such as cortisone creams, ointments and lotions that can help ease the rash. Although these are the most common way to cure the rash, oral medications such as antihistamines or oral corticosteroids will aid in relieving the itch. In worst case scenarios, where the itching has led to an infection, antibiotics will be prescribed.

Whenever your child has an unusual rash, make sure you contact their doctor. By taking a full history and running a few tests, your physician can help determine what is the cause of the rash, whether it is allergies, an irritant or some other trigger.

Courtesy of the AAAAI (The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology) is the largest professional medical specialty organization in the United States representing allergists, asthma specialists, clinical immunologists, allied health professionals and others with a special interest in the research and treatment of allergic disease. Posted 11-14-03 on kidsgrowth.com