Eczema affects one in every five children in Ireland, and around one in twelve adults continue to live with it too. Many families quietly manage flare-ups without knowing exactly what causes them or what their options are. Here’s the truth about eczema — the symptoms to look out for, what triggers it, and how it’s treated — so you and your child don’t have to suffer in silence.
What is eczema?
Eczema affects one in every five children but can continue into adult life, currently affecting around one in twelve adults in Ireland. Simply put, eczema causes a dry, red, itchy rash; it may be scaly, weep, bleed or crust over. Eczema can be a chronic skin condition that comes and goes, and it can move from place to place on the body too.
Causes and triggers of eczema
Unfortunately, the exact causes of eczema are unknown. Experts think eczema is caused by a combination of factors including:
1. environmental causes (certain foods, detergents, low humidity, carpet fibres, soaps, perfumes, clothing fabrics, dust and sweating)
2. genetics
3. abnormal function of the immune system
4. defects in the skin barrier that allow irritants or allergens in and more moisture out
5. activities that may irritate the skin or make it sensitive
Atopic eczema is the most common form of eczema. It can run in families and often occurs alongside other atopic conditions including asthma and hay fever.
Recommended Reading: Watch – Become a Skin Checker
What are the early symptoms of eczema?
Eczema symptoms vary from person to person, but are almost always accompanied by an itch. In some cases a rash appears first, commonly on the face, hands, back of the knees, or feet, although this varies according to age. Often the itching starts before any rash shows up.
Infants commonly get a rash on the face, then as childhood progresses it affects the classical sites of the body creases, also known as the flexures (wrists, back of knees), and the antecubital fossae (crook of the arm). The rash may be mild, moderate, or severe, and it can affect other areas of the body too.
Affected areas usually appear very dry, thickened, or scaly. In fair-skinned people, affected areas may initially appear reddish and then turn brown. In people with darker skin, eczema can affect pigmentation, making the affected area lighter or darker. In infants, the itchy rash can produce an oozing, crusting condition mainly on the face and scalp, but eczema patches can appear anywhere.
What is the treatment for eczema?
A good daily skincare routine is vital in managing eczema. To begin with, all types of eczema are treated in similar ways. This is often called emollient therapy — very dry skin needs to be constantly moisturised in order to restore the skin’s barrier and prevent further dryness.
In many cases, emollient therapy on its own isn’t enough. If your child is experiencing eczema symptoms, it’s worth visiting your GP or a dermatologist, who may recommend:
- topical steroids or oral steroids, sometimes used for a short time
- antihistamines
- antibiotics, if the skin is infected
- wet wraps (wet-wrap therapy involves wrapping wet bandages around the affected skin)
- phototherapy (this is not the same as using a “sun lamp”, which is not recommended for eczema patients)
- topical immune-suppressants or topical immune-modulators
If the eczema has flared badly, complementary therapies may also help — but always check with your GP or dermatologist first.
Recommended Reading: 5 Useful Tips on Helping Your Child Cope With Pain
Can eczema be cured?
No, eczema currently can’t be cured, but there are many ways of controlling it.
For children with eczema, the good news is that most improve as they get older — around 75% are clear of eczema by their teens. However, many of those who have had eczema continue to have dry skin and need to avoid irritants that trigger the condition.
Eczema can persist into adulthood, although it should be controllable with the right treatment. For some adults with persistent atopic eczema, certain jobs that bring them into contact with irritant materials — such as catering, hairdressing or nursing — can be more difficult to manage.
Where can you get more advice on eczema?
If you or your child are experiencing the symptoms of eczema, consult your GP or a dermatologist. The Irish Skin Foundation has a website with downloadable guides on eczema in children and adults. Your pharmacist can also advise on daily care measures.
This information is brought to you with thanks to the Irish Skin Foundation (ISF), a national charity supporting people with skin disease in Ireland, and Dr Niki Ralph, a consultant dermatologist who has carried out extensive research into the physical and psychological impact of eczema.
FAQs about eczema in kids
Is eczema contagious?
No. Eczema is not contagious — it can’t be passed from one person to another through contact.
Will my child grow out of eczema?
Many children do improve as they get older, and a large proportion are clear of eczema by their teenage years. Some continue to have dry, sensitive skin and need to keep avoiding known triggers.
What’s the difference between eczema and dry skin?
Dry skin is a common trigger and feature of eczema, but eczema itself is a chronic inflammatory skin condition. If dryness is persistent, itchy, or accompanied by a rash that flares and settles, it’s worth getting it checked by a GP or dermatologist rather than treating it as simple dryness.
Can diet affect eczema?
For some children, certain foods can be a trigger, though eczema has multiple possible causes. If you suspect a food trigger, talk to your GP before making changes to your child’s diet.
Related articles
- Watch: Become a Skin Checker
- 5 Useful Tips on Helping Your Child Cope With Pain
- Everyday Habits That Support Healthy Skin in Kids
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