Atopic Eczema in Children
What is atopic eczema?
Atopic eczema is a chronic, itchy skin condition that is very common in children but may occur at any age.
This means they may develop any or all of three closely linked conditions; atopic eczema, asthma and hay fever (allergic rhinitis). Often these conditions run within families with a parent, child or sibling also affected.
What does atopic eczema look like?
Infants
Toddlers and pre-schoolers
School-age children
Many children develop a ‘nummular’ pattern of atopic eczema. This refers to small coin-like areas of eczema scattered over the body. These round patches of eczema are dry, red and itchy and may be mistaken for ringworm (a fungal infection).
Does atopic eczema persist forever?
Atopic eczema affects 15-20% of children but only 1-2% of adults. It is impossible to predict whether eczema will improve by itself or not in an individual. It is unusual for an infant to be affected with atopic eczema before the age of four months.
Atopic eczema is often worst between the ages of two and four but it generally improves after this and may clear altogether by the teens.
Treatment
- Reduction of exposure to trigger factors (where possible)
- Regular emollients (moisturisers)
- Intermittent topical steroids
- Topical calcineurin inhibitors such as pimecrolimus cream or tacrolimus ointment
- Antibiotics
- Antihistamines
- Phototherapy
- Oral corticosteroids
Longstanding and severe eczema may be treated with an immunosupressive agent.
- Methotrexate
- Ciclosporin
- Azathioprine
Skin allergy tests we offer:
1. Skin prick test
2. Patch tests
3. Blood Allergy tests
For more information, contact us for appointment.
Dr Lynn Chiam…
Dr Lynn Chiam graduated from the National University of Singapore and subsequently received her Membership of the Royal College of Physicians (Internal Medicine) United Kingdom. She completed her specialist training in dermatology...
Why choose Children & Adult Skin Clinic?
No two individuals are the same. Our treatments are customized to each individual’s unique skin type & needs.
Through consultation with our doctor, a thorough analysis will be undertaken to determine the ideal treatment methods for the best possible results.
