


It may also appear on the skin around your toddler’s mouth and the eyelids.

It can appear as red patches with small bumps as shown here.Īround the age of two, your toddler’s eczema is more likely to appear in the creases of the elbows and knees, or on their wrists, ankles and hands. Is eczema different for infants or toddlers, than it is for older children?Ītopic dermatitis frequently affects the face in children. We also know that children who come from families with a history of atopic dermatitis, asthma, or hay fever (known as the atopic triad) are more likely to develop atopic dermatitis. When something outside the body “switches on” the immune system, skin cells don’t behave as they should causing flare ups. Researchers do know that children who develop eczema do so because of a combination of genes and environmental triggers. The only way to be sure what type of eczema your child has is to make an appointment with your doctor. It’s important to understand which type of eczema they may have and also their symptoms and triggers so that you can better treat and manage it as they grow and change. These include over-the-counter (OTC) remedies, prescription topical medications, phototherapy, and immunosuppressants.Įczema, especially atopic dermatitis (AD), may look and act very differently as your child gets older. There is no cure for eczema but there are treatments and more are coming. Use OTC and prescription medication consistently and as prescribed to curb symptoms.Implement a daily bathing and moisturizing routine to protect skin and lock in moisture.Know your child’s particular triggers to avoid exposure.

You can’t “catch it” from someone else.įor most types of eczema, managing flares comes down to these basics: Eczema, especially atopic dermatitis, often appears in the first six months to 5 years of a child’s life.Įczema is not contagious. Atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema and seborrheic dermatitis, also known as “cradle cap” in infants, are the most common types that affect children. Eczema (eg-zuh-MUH) is the name for a group of conditions that cause the skin to become red, itchy and inflamed.
