ECZEMA IN CHILDREN

Eczema is the most common non contagious inflammatory disorder which affects  children. Most kids get itchy rashes at one time or another. But eczema can be a nuisance that may prompt scratching that makes the problem worse. The most common cause of eczema is atopic dermatitis (sometimes called infantile eczema), which affects older kids as well as infants.

Various forms of eczema in children are:

• Seborrheic dermatitis( cradle cap in infants).
• Atopic dermatitis.
• Nummular eczema.
• Pityriasis alba.
• Contact dermatitis.

Symptoms

Symptoms of eczema in children depends on the type of eczema . It can vary from a single dry white patch over face to severe itchy scaly rashes all over the body. Kids with eczema usually develop itchy, dry, red, scaly,oozy skin and small bumps on their cheeks, forehead, or scalp. The rash may spread to the arms,elbows,behind the knees, legs, trunk or on the back of ankles and wrists. As kids get older, the rash becomes more scaly than it was when the eczema first began, and the skin becomes extremely itchy and dry. These symptoms also tend to worsen and improve over time, with flare-ups occurring periodically.

Kids who get eczema often have family members with hay fever, asthma, or other allergies.

• Treatment of eczema in children include avoidance of triggering factors(Stuffed animal toys,Wollen blankets,Dry skin,Irritants,Heat and sweating,Infection,Allergens- pet dander, pollen or dust), topical ointments,moisturisers, antihistamines and  oral medications and few home remedies.
• Your child’s eczema may be worse in the winter when the air is dry. Saliva from drooling can also cause irritation on your baby’s cheeks, chin and neck.

Eczema looks and acts differently in infants and toddlers than it does in older children. The location and appearance of eczema changes as they grow, so it is important to know what to look for during every stage of your infant or toddler’s life.Eczema in children can mimmick other skin diseases like psoriasis, Fungal infections or even simple sun light allergy. So it is important to consult a qualified dermatologist to get the correct treatment.

Pregnancy related skin diseases

Pregnancy is associated with various skin changes. Preganancy related skin disease can be due to normal changes in the hormones, flare up of pre existing skin disease and pregnancy specific skin diseases.
Skin changes due to normal pregnancy changes are

• Stretch marks
• Melasma
• Acne breakouts
• Generalised hyperpigmentation
• Hair and nail changes

Pregnancy is associated with increased chance of infections, mainly vulvovaginal candidiasis.

Skin problems that are exclusively seen during  pregnancy are:

• Pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy
• Prurigo of pregnancy
• Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy
• Pemphigoid gestationis
• Impetigo herpetiformis
• Pruritic folliculitis of pregnancy

These can present as itchy papules, wheals,pustules ,vesicles or scaly rashes.

Treatment : 
Treatment of skin diseases in pregnancy(oral and topical medications) should be done with utmost care and should be safe for both the pregnant women and growing foetus.

Skin diseases in old age(Geriatric group)

Advanced medical science has contributed to an increase in the average life span. Hence diseases of the aged are becoming increasingly important. At Skinsecrets, importance is given to improving the quality of life by enhancing the apperance along with treating skin ailments in the elderly.

For correct diagnosis and treatments, contact SkinSecrets @ 7560907255 , 7025066555

Authored By: Dr.Anjana Mohan