Eczema

What is eczema?

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is an inflammatory skin condition where it becomes dry, red and itchy. It is common in infants and children and will often get better as a child gets older. One of the roles of the skin is to act as a physical barrier. When this barrier is weakened, the skin becomes easily irritated and inflamed, causing symptoms seen in eczema.

Tips for managing eczema

• Wear loose, soft, cotton clothing

• Use fragrance free detergent and soaps and avoid fabric softeners and dryer sheets

• Limit baths to 5 - 10 minutes

• Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! 3 - 4 times per day

• Apply topical medications as prescribed by your physician

Eczema and food allergies

• Eczema flares are typically NOT caused by a food allergy. In fact, avoiding certain foods in a child with eczema may actually CAUSE food allergies.

• In children with eczema, it is even more important to introduce allergenic foods early such as: dairy, egg, wheat, soy, peanut, tree nuts, fish, shellfish and sesame.

• In general, DO NOT apply food products on the skin (i.e. coconut oil) as it is possible that it could cause a food allergy.