Kids, Allergies, and Eczema

Articles On Children Skin Allergies

Allergies aren’t always to blame for eczema, but the two often go together. Studies show that 1 in 3 infants will have eczema. Here's what you need to know about these conditions in kids, plus advice on how to treat them.

Eczema Facts

• Symptoms include a dry, itchy, scaly, red rash. It may ooze and crust over, especially if your child scratches it.
• Eczema is common on the arms, elbows, legs, knees, hands, and face.
• The rash can be quite irritating. It can make it hard for kids to sleep.
• Soaps and cosmetics, cleaners, wool, dust mites, pollen, pet dander, certain foods, and dry weather can cause flare-ups.
• Eczema won't spread from one part of the body to another, or from one person to another.
• Eczema in kids often comes and goes. Most babies outgrow it by the time they're teens or even earlier.

How Do Eczema and Allergies Affect Each Other?

• Kids with allergies -- especially to foods like milk and peanuts -- are more likely to have eczema.
• Having parents with allergies or asthma increases a child's risk of eczema.
• Kids with eczema are more likely to get allergies and asthma later in life.
• Keeping your kid away from allergy triggers can ease eczema symptoms.

How Do You Treat Them?

If your child has symptoms, see a doctor. There are lots of ways to control eczema and allergies.

• Tests. Your doctor may want to test your child for allergies to foods -- like milk, egg, peanut, soy, seafood, and wheat -- and other substances. Positive results from allergy testing need to be confirmed.
• Food elimination diets. If your doctor suggests it, you can cut out common trigger foods, one at a time. That will help you figure out if a food is to blame.
• Ointments and moisturizers. These products can ease mild eczema symptoms. Choose one that’s thick, and put it on right after your child gets out of a bath or shower.
• Medication.Steroid creams can relieve more severe symptoms.

Get more information on eczema treatment.

Follow these steps to stop the problem before it starts.

• Allergy-proof your home, so your child won't be exposed to high levels of things like dust mites and dander.
• Keep their skin moist. Dry skin can trigger eczema.
• Keep fingernails short. That way, your child is less likely to irritate their skin by scratching. Put socks on your baby's hands to stop scratching when they are asleep.
• Keep your child cool in summer. Hot weather and sweat can make symptoms worse.
• Use non-scented soaps. Avoid harsh cleaners. Chemicals can irritate the skin.
• Dress your child in soft, loose-fitting, cotton clothing. Avoid wool and nylon.
• Protect your child from dry, cold weather. Dress them warmly when it's cold (but don't overheat). Use a humidifier in the winter when the air is dry.

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