Toddler eczema Causes, Symptoms and Home Remedies

Toddler eczema - Causes, Symptoms, Types, Treatment, Natural & Home Remedies

Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that causes the skin to become red, dry, itchy, and inflamed. Eczema is also known as Dermatitis which means the skin is inflamed, sore, or red. Atopic Dermatitis is a type of eczema that often appears before five years of age. In toddlers, eczema appears in the creases of the knees and elbows or on the ankles, wrists, and hands. 

Lichenification

Eczema may also appear on the skin around your toddler's mouth and the eyelids. The skin looks dry at this stage and becomes thick with deeper lines which are also known as Lichenification. 

(Also read: Newborn Baby Care Guide)

Types of Eczema

There are various types of eczema which are described below :

• Atopic Dermatitis (Infantile Eczema)

• Dyshidrotic Eczema

• Contact Dermatitis

• Seborrheic Dermatitis

Toddler Eczema Causes

According to scientists, eczema is inherited. Children who born in those families that have a history of allergic diseases such as hay fever or asthma are at an increased risk for eczema. It is not caused by any type of allergy but some environmental allergies can trigger it. Some specific triggers can make it worse. This can be prevented or improved by avoiding these possible triggers. Some of the possible triggers include :

• Dust

• Harsh Soaps and Detergents

• Certain skincare products and perfumes especially which contains alcohol. 

• Tobacco Smoke

• Dry winter air 

• Mold

• Excessive heat and sweating

• Pollen

(Also read: Problem of Stomach Gas in babies)

Toddler eczema symptoms

Toddlers with eczema usually develop the following symptoms :

• Itchy Skin

• Dry and red skin

• Small Bumps on cheeks or forehead

• Small Bumps on scalp

• Circular and slightly raised rashes on the bend of elbows.

• Itchy and scaly rashes behind the knees.

• Itchy rashes on the back of wrists and ankles. 

Toddler eczema home remedies

You can prevent or treat eczema by keeping your toddler's skin from becoming dry and itchy. You can follow these suggestions to prevent eczema :

• Use mild soaps instead of using scented soaps.

• Avoid giving frequent hot baths to your kid. 

• Use warm water when bathing your child. 

• Don't do excessive toweling or scrubbing after bathing your child. 

• Dress your child in soft clothes made up of cotton.
• Your child has to drink plenty of water. It will add moisture to the skin.

• Apply moisturizing creams or ointments on your child's skin regularly.

Toddler eczema treatment

Steroid creams or cortisone (also known as Topical Corticosteroids) or ointments are used to treat eczema. All these medicines are directly applied to the affected areas of the skin twice a day. Non-steroid medicines are also available in creams or ointments which can be used to treat eczema instead of using topical steroids. You can continue to apply the Corticosteroids or Steroid creams on your toddler's eczema affected areas as long as your doctor suggests. Don't apply those topical steroids on the affected areas which are prescribed for someone else.  All these ointments and creams vary in strength. And if you're using the wrong strength on the affected areas of your toddler then it can damage the skin, especially in infants and toddlers. Your doctor may also recommend the following treatment to treat eczema :

• Antihistamines - To control itching on the affected areas of the skin.

• Oral or Topical Antibiotics - To prevent or treat Secondary infections which sometimes occur in toddlers with eczema. 

(Also read: 5 ways to take care of a newborn baby)

Toddler eczema getting worse

Your toddler's eczema may get worse during winters due to the dry air. Some toddlers get itchy rashes. Scratching these rashes can make the problem worse. Toddlers often try to relieve the itching by rubbing or scratching it with their hands or any other thing within reach. Rubbing or Scratching can make these patchy rashes worse and can lead to brownish and thickened areas on the skin. Eczema is not an allergy but allergies can trigger it. Eczema triggers include :

• Infections

• Dry skin

• Excessive Heat and Sweat

• Irritants

• Emotional Stress

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Disclaimer: This content is intended for general information only and it should not be used as the basis of patient treatment. The given content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, treatment, or any diagnosis. Always consult a doctor for more information. Our website doesn't claim responsibility for this information.