In Western countries, up to 15% of all young children have atopic eczema.
The cause of atopic eczema is a damaged skin barrier and an activated immune system. Children with atopic eczema may have an inherited skin type that is prone to eczema. This is a sensitive skin type that can be hypersensitive to various triggers such as soap, water, wool fabrics, stress, certain foods, sweating, and weather changes. Itch is the most troublesome symptom of this disease. Additionally, there is red and scaly rash on areas such as the cheeks, back of the hands, inside the elbows, and behind the knees. Allergies, along with dry skin, skin infections, and stress, are factors that can worsen the eczema. Treatment involves skincare with baths, moisturizers, and prescribed creams.
You can read more about skincare for atopic eczema here.(LINK ?)
Many parents of young children with atopic eczema wonder if this is a temporary condition or something that will persist for a long time. Usually, dermatologists say that approximately 10% of children with atopic eczema will continue to have eczema as adults.
The average duration of eczema was 3 years for those who developed it before the age of two. The average duration of eczema was 8 years for those who developed it after the age of two. Among children with atopic eczema, 95% were healthy 20 years later. Girls have a slightly higher risk than boys of having long-lasting atopic eczema. Knowing that atopic eczema can worsen and improve without finding a specific cause can be helpful for children and parents. Unfortunately, the course of atopic eczema for each individual is unpredictable.
