Child Eczema and Allergies: Relationship and Control

Eczema is similar to asthma in that it is both a separate condition in and of itself as well as an allergic reaction; this condition is characterized by:

	Moderate to severe itching that, when scratched, forms a rash
	Red, irritated skin
	Bumpy skin
	Small, fluid-filled blisters that sometimes ooze
	Flaky and scaly skin patches at the bends of the elbows and knees
	Cracking, broken, skin that often bleeds when scratched excessively

The Allergy: Eczema Relationship

Child eczema and allergies are related by

	Allergic reaction, and
	Genetic Predisposition

Eczema as related to child allergies is "atopic dermatitis" (as opposed to contact dermatitis, which is also an allergic response, but not truly eczema).  Eczema is more systemic than contact dermatitis, meaning that it is a reaction in response to a bodily or internal trigger.

Child eczema is not an allergy, but it can be triggered by an allergy—much in the same way that hives or sneezing are triggered by an allergic reaction to an allergen.  A number of other things can trigger eczema rashes, like stress, heat, sweat, product irritation, and dryness.

The Life Cycle and Prevalence of Child Eczema and Allergies

Child eczema usually appears before the age of two years, often within the first few months of life, and almost always prior to age five.

Child eczema occurs more frequently in children with allergies, hay fever, or asthma.  Eczema can be one of the best indicators of a food allergy in young, non-communicative children (particularly when other symptoms of child food allergy are present).

Child eczema is more present in children with parents who have or have had eczema, just as allergies are more prevalent in parents with allergies.

Child eczema tends to follow a sort of symptomatic life-cycle that varies by age.

	Eczema starts out as a more oozing, blistery, and bumpy rash on the face and forehead (which is often mistaken for cradle cap or seborrhea)
	In preschoolers, eczema progresses to a patchier, dry rash on various parts of the body, especially behind the knees, wrists, and in the elbows
	As children age, eczema rashes and patches disappear, but the child will usually have very dry, itchy skin.

Controlling Child Eczema and Allergies

Parents of children with allergies hear the same advice over and over—to control allergies, control exposure to allergens; the same applies to eczema caused by allergies.  When a parent is able to keep their child from experiencing an allergic reaction, the parent can keep the eczema from flaring.

In the case of eczema, parents may have other means of control as well.  With eczema, rashes do not develop until the itch is scratched—literally.  That is why rashes are restricted to areas that children can reach, and that is why eczema bears the reputation of being the "itch that rashes".

Topical and oral steroids can help control eczema itching and repair skin that has already turned into a rash; antihistamines can also be helpful to control itching.  In addition, measures such as those following can help keep an eczema itch from becoming an eczema rash.

	Keep bath water warm, and moisturize with a good skin cream within three minutes after the bath
	Use oatmeal products in the bath to relieve itching
	Use mild cleansers and non-soap cleaners
	Use fragrance and dye-free soaps and detergents
	Dress children in natural cotton fibers and avoid harsh synthetics
	Pat dry after bathing—don't rub skin
	Moisturize 2-3 times daily
	Trim finger and toenails often
	Avoid sweating and overheating
	Keep the child well-hydrated to moisturize from the inside out
	Humidify dry homes in winter and dry periods of the year

Children who suffer from allergy-related eczema are best off to take that sage advice and avoid allergic triggers; it may seem that eczema is the least of allergy symptom concerns, but when a child has eczema and allergies, life can become itchy to the point of unbearable and painful, and it is always in a child's best interest not to experience allergy exposure.