Eczema is a chronic skin condition characterised by dry, itchy, and red skin. Typically, eczema is found in the creases of skin in older children and on babies’ faces. Sometimes, it can be difficult to judge if it’s a rash or eczema, as the symptoms may overlap. “If you suspect your child has eczema, the best point of action is to consult a paediatrician,” were among the advice of Dr. Anne Yeoh from Sri Kota Specialist Medical Centre. The following was a result of an interview with her on the topic of childhood eczema.
BT: If neither parents have eczema, how and why does a child still get it?
Dr Anne Yeoh: Eczema is a multifactorial condition, influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. As a general guide, if neither parents have eczema, asthma or hay fever, there is a 1 in 10 chance (10%) that their child could get eczema. If one parent has eczema, asthma or hay fever, the child has a 1 in 4 chance (25%) of getting eczema. If both parents have eczema, asthma or hay fever, their child has a 1 in 2 chance (50%) of getting it.
BT: If one or both parents have eczema, is there anything that can be done to prevent their child from getting it?
Dr Anne Yeoh: There is no cure for eczema, but there are a few things you can do to reduce your child’s risk of getting eczema. Breastfeed exclusively for the first 6 months, and if possible, continue to breastfeed beyond one year as this can reduce the risk of your child getting eczema. Babies should be protected against potential allergens such as pet fur, mites, cigarette smoke etc.
BT: What causes eczema to flare up and what can be done from preventing that from happening?
Dr Anne Yeoh: Eczema alternates between the flare up and remission phases, and can vary in severity. Flare ups occur when your child’s eczema seems under control but suddenly worsens. Management of eczema focuses on the prevention of flare ups and maintaining remission. Identifying and avoidance of potential triggers are the backbone of the treatment. Keep track of things used like soaps, detergents, softeners, floor cleaners etc., so that it is easy to trace and find the cause of the flare up. Avoid keeping pets and having carpets at home, and stay away from cigarette smoke.
BT: What is the best way for parents to manage their child’s eczema?
Dr Anne Yeoh: Always consult a doctor if you think your child has eczema as it can range in severity. There are a few things that parents can do for their child with eczema:
- Keep skin moisturised by using gentle soaps, followed by an emollient everyday
- Avoid long baths
- Keep bedroom air as fresh as possible (make sure it’s not too hot nor too cold)
- Dressing your child in soft and light materials, such as cotton to avoid skin friction
- Keep their nails short and trimmed to avoid skin injury during scratching
- Use a fragrance-free detergent
- Remove carpets and stuffed toys from their bedroom
BT: What are the usual treatments that doctors/skin specialists carry out for children with eczema? Dr Anne Yeoh: Follow-up question: How effective are these treatments?
Dr Anne Yeoh: During a flare up, specialists will usually prescribe a topical corticosteroid cream to bring down the inflammation and prevent complications like infection or scarring. Once 80-90% of remission has been achieved (meaning no more redness or scaliness), it is recommended to switch to a controller cream to control and prevent another flare up.
BT: Any words of encouragement for parents who are dealing with their child’s eczema?
Dr Anne Yeoh: Don’t give up! Don’t stress yourself too much, managing your child’s eczema is challenging but it is achievable.
Q & A with Dr. Anne Yeoh Chiou Yen,
Consultant Paediatrician,
Sri Kota Specialist Medical Centre
