Eczema is a dry skin condition that mainly affects babies and children.

It can vary greatly from itchy, scaly rashes in mild cases, to cracking and bleeding in more severe cases.

There are many different sorts of eczema, but it is never contagious and permanent scars are rare.

Atopic eczema is the most common type. This occurs in people who tend to also have asthma and hay fever in their families and seems to be caused by a range of factors, both genetic and environmental.
The rash can usually be seen mainly on the head and neck and at the knees and elbows. It can be terribly itchy and may disturb your child's sleep.

Eczema often gets better and worse according to contact with a range of things in the environment. Triggers may be different for different people. They can include animal fur or pollen.

If your child has eczema, she will be prescribed an emollient (a moisturiser). Which type will depend on what works best for you and your child.

She may also be given a topical steroid, which can reduce any inflammation and help the healing process.

A child with this condition should avoid contact with soap, as this can dry the skin and make things worse. You should also try to dress her in cotton rather than other materials as this allows the skin to breathe.

Most children will grow out of atopic eczema as they get older, but they may have sensitive skin later in life, or occasional attacks.


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