Ailments & Conditions

Eczema in Children: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention

Overview of Eczema

Eczema is an umbrella term referring to a group of noncontagious diseases that affect the skin. It typically causes the skin to become inflamed, itchy, dry, and have a rash-like look. Children are mostly affected by the illness after being exposed to a trigger that may irritate the skin. Even though eczema is not a serious condition, its symptoms may lead to discomfort, pain, and disrupt sleep. Most cases may resolve during childhood, but some would persist into the next life stages. [1]

The appearance of eczema can vary a bit in different age groups. The symptoms may develop on any part of the skin, but people with different age may have them appearing in certain areas.

In infants, eczema tends to occur on the face and scalp, especially on the cheeks. Knees and elbows can also be affected. It typically appears as a scaly, raw, and dry rash. Itchiness would come and go.

In older children, between 2 years old and puberty, eczema tends to start at scaly and itchy areas around the knees and elbows. Also, it would affect the ankles, wrists, neck, as well as crease between the legs and buttocks. The appearance of the skin would change over time and become thicker, discolored, and bumpy. [2]