What is Childhood Eczema?
Eczema is the most common childhood disease, affecting 15 – 20% of children.
‘Atopic’ eczema (sometimes referred to as ‘atopic dermatitis’) is the common form occurring in children and is often found in asthma/hayfever sufferers. It is an itchy, dry inflammation of the skin and can affect any part of the body. The areas most commonly affected are the knees, wrists, neck and bends of the elbows. Babies may have ‘seborrheic’ eczema (cradle cap).
Eczema tends to run in families, with children likely to suffer from it if one or both parents do too. Factors including dust and harsh soaps and detergents can make the condition worse. Being unwell and stressed can also cause the eczema to flare-up.
The effect on a child who suffers with eczema goes far beyond the physical itching, burning and painful skin. It can affect the child’s self-esteem and lead to tiredness and irritability through lack of sleep due to the condition, which all impacts on the child’s quality of life.
The disease has an enormous effect on the family too. Parents can be kept up all night due to the painful and itchy skin keeping the baby/child awake and crying. Young siblings can also feel neglected as the parents tend to the child suffering from eczema. There is also a distinct lack of understanding about eczema, with people thinking it is contagious and related to a lack of cleanliness. Neither is true.
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