Childhood Eczema
Atopic dermatitis, also known as atopic eczema, is an inflammatory skin condition that is very common in children. It typically appears between 6 months and 5 years of age, with symptoms such as intense itching, redness, and dry skin. In many cases, the condition tends to improve or disappear as the child grows, but it may require specific treatments to relieve symptoms and improve the child’s quality of life.
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On this page
- What Is Childhood Eczema?
- What Are Symptoms of Childhood Eczema?
- How Do You Diagnose Childhood Eczema?
- How Do You Treat Childhood Eczema?
What Is Childhood Eczema?
Atopic dermatitis, or atopic eczema, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterised by intense itching, dryness, and the appearance of scaly rashes. On light skin, the lesions may appear pink or red; on darker skin, they tend to take on dark brown, grey, or purplish tones.
This condition is particularly common in children and can appear as early as the first few months of life. It is often hereditary and linked to a compromised skin barrier that cannot retain moisture effectively, making the skin more vulnerable to irritants and allergens.
Although it is not contagious, atopic dermatitis is frequently associated with environmental allergies, such as pet dander, dust mites, harsh detergents, and certain cleaning products. Cold, dry air, infections, and stress can also worsen the symptoms.
While there is currently no definitive cure, there are effective treatments available to manage flare-ups, reduce inflammation, and improve the child’s quality of life.
What Are the Symptoms of Childhood Eczema?
Infantile atopic dermatitis can appear at different stages of growth and affect various areas of the body. In most cases, it develops before the age of 5—often as early as the first few months of life, around 2–3 months—but it can also emerge later in childhood.
The main symptoms include redness, dry skin, intense itching, flaking, and in more severe cases, the formation of crusts or lesions. The most commonly affected areas are:
- Face: Often, infants' cheeks are the first to be affected. Eczema can cause redness, dry skin, itching and scab formation on the face.
- Scalp: Eczema can appear on the baby's scalp, causing scabs, flaking and itching.
- Skin folds: Skin folds, such as those on the neck, knees, elbows or armpits, can be affected by eczema. These areas can become red, swollen, itchy and prone to cracking.
- Hands and feet: Eczema can affect children's hands and feet, particularly the fingers and toes. These areas may have dry skin, cracking, and intense itching.
- Legs and arms: Legs and arms can be affected by eczema, especially in the areas of folds or areas prone to rubbing. The skin may be red, dry, scaly, and itchy.
The distribution and severity of symptoms can vary greatly from child to child: some may have eczema limited to just a few areas, while others may experience more widespread involvement.
Early recognition of symptoms allows for appropriate treatment, reducing discomfort and improving the child’s quality of life.
How Do You Diagnose Childhood Eczema?
Infantile Atopic Dermatitis is a complex and multifactorial condition that can cause significant discomfort for the child, presenting with persistent itching, redness, and skin inflammation.
Among the factors that may contribute to its onset are genetic predisposition, alterations in the skin barrier, abnormal immune responses, allergies (whether environmental or dietary), and adverse climatic conditions.
Since each child presents unique clinical characteristics, it is essential to consult a specialist, such as a pediatrician or pediatric dermatologist, for an accurate diagnosis. The clinical evaluation is based on observing symptoms, family history of allergies or dermatitis, and, in some cases, allergy or skin tests to identify potential triggers.
Early diagnosis allows for the development of a personalized treatment plan to manage flare-ups and improve the child’s quality of life.
How Do You Treat Childhood Eczema?
The treatment of infantile atopic dermatitis aims to relieve symptoms, prevent flare-ups, and protect the child’s skin.
The first step always involves consulting with a pediatrician or pediatric dermatologist, who can recommend the most suitable treatment plan based on the severity of the clinical condition.
Among the most common treatments are:
- Topical corticosteroids to reduce skin inflammation;
- Emollients and moisturising creams to strengthen the skin barrier;
- Oral antihistamines to relieve itching, especially at night;
- Over-the-counter soothing products, such as creams containing zinc oxide or colloidal oatmeal.
In more resistant or severe cases, the doctor may consider advanced options such as:
- Systemic therapies (pills or injections);
- Phototherapy, a technique that uses UV rays to reduce skin inflammation;
- Targeted treatments with biotechnological drugs, in selected cases.
Consistent treatment, along with good skin hygiene and the identification of triggering factors, is essential to keep atopic dermatitis under control in children.
Reviewed April 2025.