Eczema; also known as dermatitis, atopic eczema, or atopic dermatitis; is a common skin disease in children.
Children often get eczema during their first year of life. If a child gets eczema during this time, dry and scaly patches appear on the skin. These patches often appear on the scalp, forehead, and face. These patches are very common on the cheeks.
No matter where it appears, eczema is often very itchy. Infants may rub their skin against bedding or carpeting to relieve the itch. In children of all ages, the itch can be so intense that a child cannot sleep. Scratching can lead to a skin infection.
Because eczema can be long lasting, it is important to learn how to take care of the skin. Treatment and good skin care can alleviate much of the discomfort.
A treatment plan often includes medicine, skin care and lifestyle changes. Skin care and lifestyle changes can help prevent flare-ups. The outcome of treatment is positive. When eczema develops in infants or young children, the child tends to get better with time. For some children the condition completely disappears by age 2. Only about half of children who get eczema will have it as an adult but commonly becomes milder with age.
