Hi, Thanks for visiting this article. I do not want to bombard with hifi science behind Atopic Dermatitis.

I would rather just address the basic questions parents ask me regarding it, and what precaution we as parents should take. If any atopic dermatitis details are required you may visit other sites for same.

WHAT IS ATOPIC DERMATITIS

Basically a dry, scaly, flaky, itchy skin, specially in skin folds behind knees, at elbow, on face, cheeks, scalp.Or it might be made up of tiny red bumps that ooze or become infected if scratched. Scratching can also cause thickened, darkened, or scarred skin over time. Depending on severity it may be on other sites of body too. Its also called ECZEMA. It usually presents before 5 years of age.

IS IT SOMETHING DANGEROUS?

NO, it is mostly self limiting! It may remain for few years and may wane off. Yes there are chances it may remain life long depending upon severity. 

IS IT HEREDITARY?

YES at times it may be, but not necessarily. So no point in blaming parents! Rash may come and go. But because of the, scratching its uncomfortable for baby, and if untreated can cause unsightly wounds and SOCIAL CHALLENGE for child.  

Eczema is not an allergic reaction to a substance, but allergens or irritants in the environment (such as pollen or cigarette smoke) can trigger it. It can be triggered by allergens in your child's diet – or in your diet if your child is breastfeeding. The rash can also be aggravated by heat, irritants that come in contact with the skin (like wool or the chemicals in some soaps, fragrances, lotions, and detergents), changes in temperature, and dry skin. Stress like infection or fever can also trigger a flare-up of eczema.

HOW DO I TAKE CARE OF MY BABY'S SKIN  

Taking good care of your child's skin and avoiding triggers can help treat and prevent flare-ups.

Skin-care tips

Bathing and moisturizing. Consult your doctor about how often to bathe your child. Many experts now believe that daily bathing can be helpful for children with eczema. Use lukewarm water ,don't make the water too warm, because very warm water dries out the skin faster than lukewarm water. Use a mild soap or non-soap cleanser, and wash and shampoo your child at the end of the bath so he isn't sitting in soapy water. Your doctor would help you with cleanser. As soon as you get your child out of the tub, pat (don't rub) excess water from his skin with a soft towel or washcloth.Then, while the skin is still damp, promptly apply a liberal amount of moisturizer or emollient – an ointment,cream, or lotion that "seals in" the body's own moisture – to your child's skin. Ointments and creams contain  more emollient and less water than lotions and are usually best for children with eczema."I recommend emollients for children of all ages," & suggests testing the emollient for a short time to make sure it doesn't irritate your child's skin.The most effective approach,is to hydrate and lubricate the skin at the same time by applying emollient to damp skin. The emollient won't improve the red, inflamed, itchy areas, but it will help restore the skin's invisible protective barrier. (This barrier makes up part of the normal outer layer of the skin and is impaired in kids  with eczema .)

Allowing skin to breathe and stay cool

Dress your child in smooth natural fabrics, like cotton. Avoid wool and other scratchy materials, which can irritate very sensitive skin. Don't overheat your child by bundling him up more than necessary.

Soaps and cleansers

Switch to mild, fragrance-free soaps or non-soap cleansers and shampoos, or those made for sensitive skin. Use mild, fragrance-free detergent for washing clothes and bedding. Don't use fabric softeners.

Prevent scratching 

Your child may try to get relief by scratching with his hands or by rubbing his face against the sheet during sleep.But scratching and rubbing can further irritate or inflame the skin and make matters much worse.Use the softest sheets possible in the crib or bed, and keep your child's nails short. Put him to bed with cotton mittens or socks on his hands if he'll tolerate them.If your child has a lot of trouble sleeping because of the itching, consult your doctor. He may suggest an antihistamine to help your child rest better.

Soothe flare-ups

During a flare-up, you can try applying cool compresses to the area several times a day, followed by a moisturizer. If these remedies don't work, it's time to get in touch with your child's doctor.

Avoiding triggers

1.Rapid changes in temperature can make eczema worse, so try not to let your child get too hot and then cool quickly, or vice versa.

2. If eczema seems to be triggered by environmental allergens, such as seasonal allergies, you might want to consult an allergist for tips on how to deal with these allergies.

3.Keep your child away from cigarette smoke.

4. Try to identify and minimize any stress that may be triggering the eczema. 

Could a certain food be causing my child's eczema

Eczema isn't a specific allergy, but in some children, certain allergenic foods trigger eczema or make it worse. If you or your doctor suspects that your child's eczema is affected by certain foods, the most likely culprits are cow's milk and eggs, followed by soy, wheat, peanuts, and fish.You may want to try eliminating them from your child's diet (and from your own diet if you're breastfeeding).Eliminate suspect foods one at a time, giving each test a couple of weeks because it can take that long to get all traces of the food out of your child's system.

A special note for parents of babies: If you're using formula and your baby has eczema, the doctor may suggest switching to a hypoallergenic (but not soy) variety. This isn't always the solution, but it's worth a try...Keep in mind that food is a main trigger in only about 10 percent of eczema cases. You'll still want to be conscientious about skin care and other factors.

What should I do if the rash doesn't get better?

Talk with your child's doctor or a pediatric dermatologist. Be sure to visit your doctor if your child develops a fever or other signs of an infection – the area is warm to the touch or oozing or has a yellow crust, for example.If your child is in daycare or school, you can talk with her teachers and caregivers about the eczema. Explain that the rash is not contagious but that it may prompt teasing of your child.Once your child is old enough, encourage her to talk about her feelings related to her eczema, and be a good listener. Role-play how she might explain her condition to her buddies. If you think she needs more help, ask the doctor about counseling.

DR POONAM M SAMBHAJICHILD AND NEWBORN SPECIALISTREG NO. 2221 ( GMC)

( The content above is made with help of online reading material, as well as clinical experience with patients.)