Parents: Issues You May Face When Your Child Has Eczema

If your child was recently diagnosed with eczema, also commonly known as atopic dermatitis, you have a long road ahead.  Although eczema is easily treated at home, there are many hard issues that you, as a parent, will face.

Nighttime Itching

You might assume that nighttime itching is the same as daytime itching for children with eczema, but it can be very different, especially in small children.  Although they do not fully understand the complications that can arise from constant scratching, children are aware of their actions during the day.  On the other hand, many small children continue to scratch in the middle of the night, without even being aware of their actions. This type of eczema is difficult to treat, as you cannot spend every night grabbing your child’s arm before they itch.

To combat the nighttime itching that is common among children with eczema, look for doable alternatives.  If dust is a trigger factor, keep your child’s room clean and dust-free.  If sweat is a trigger factor, dress them in light clothes and keep their room a cool temperature.  If you don’t know the cause, try to keep areas susceptible to itching, such as the arms and legs, covered.

Pain

An eczema outbreak starts out relatively pain free.  It typically begins with a simple itch that can’t stop.  Soon, your child may find themselves literally digging at their skin.  They mistakenly believe this will make the itch go away, but it doesn’t and it only gets worse.  Severe rashes and the open wounds caused by constant scratching can lead to pain and discomfort.  No parent wants to see their child in pain. That is why you must stop it at the source.  Work with your child and his or her doctor to determine your child’s trigger factors.  These are what cause the uncontrollable urge to itch.  In the meantime, keep your child’s skin well moisturized.

Concern from Other Parents

Although eczema and atopic dermatitis are common among small children, you are likely to get many stares on the playground.  This is most common if your child’s eczema rashes can be seen by other parents.  Although you should keep your child’s open wounds covered to prevent infection, don’t just cover them to please others.

“Is eczema contagious?”  That is a common question that many parents may ask.  Unfortunately, some parents don’t even ask, they may automatically assume it is.  You and your child owe no one an explication, as eczema is nothing but an inflammation of the skin.  However, you may want to spread the word.  As heartbreaking as it is to see other parents and kids point out your child’s eczema rash, it is a normal reaction that most don’t know how to avoid.

These are just a few of the issues you may face as the parent of a child with eczema.  Since your child is young and does not fully understand their skin condition, you must work with them to seek relief.