Eczema Rise in Kids Worldwide:

More on Eczema

About 1 out of every 10 kids develops eczema. The term "eczema" refers to a number of different skin conditions in which the skin is red and sore, and occasionally develops small, fluid-filled bumps that become moist and ooze.

And with eczema often comes itching. But scratching can make the rash worse and eventually lead to thickened, brownish areas on the skin. That's why eczema is often called the "itch that rashes" instead of the "rash that itches."

Symptoms almost always appear before a child turns 5 — typically within the first few months of life. Eczema is not an allergy itself, but allergies can trigger eczema. And about half of the kids who get eczema will also someday develop hay fever or asthma, too. Luckily, though, more than half of the kids who have eczema today will be over it by the time they're teenagers.

What This Means to You

Parents can't change the fact that kids might inherit genes that make them prone to eczema. But you can help curb or improve eczema flare-ups by avoiding possible triggers that can aggravate it, such as:

• pollen
• mold
• dust
• animal dander
• dry winter air with little moisture
• letting the skin become too dry
• certain harsh soaps and detergents
• certain fabrics (such as wool or coarsely woven materials)
• certain skin care products, perfumes, and colognes (especially those containing alcohol)
• tobacco smoke
• some foods (dairy products and acidic foods like tomatoes seem to be common culprits)
• emotional stress
• excessive heat
• sweating

For kids with eczema, it can also help to:

• Use warm water with mild soaps or nonsoap cleansers. Avoid using scented soaps or giving frequent hot baths, which tend to dry the skin.
• Ask your doctor if it's OK to use oatmeal soaking products in the bath to help control the itching.
• Gently wash the skin (instead of scrubbing) and gently pat it dry with a towel.
• Apply moisturizing ointments (like petroleum jelly), lotions, or creams to the skin regularly and always within a few minutes of bathing after a very light towel dry. Avoid alcohol-containing lotions and moisturizers.
• Dress kids in soft clothes that "breathe," like those made from cotton. Avoid harsh or irritating clothing like wool or coarsely woven materials.
• Apply cool compresses (like a wet, cool washcloth) on irritated areas to ease itching.
• Try having kids wear comfortable, light gloves to bed if nighttime scratching is a problem.
• Have kids drink plenty of water, which adds moisture to the skin.
• Help children resist the urge to scratch the rash to prevent the condition from getting worse and causing more severe skin damage or an infection.
• Keep fingernails short to reduce skin damage from scratching.

If your child has been diagnosed with eczema — or is showing symptoms — talk to your doctor for advice on how to help ease itching and keep irritation to a minimum.

Source: "Is Eczema Really on the Increase Worldwide?," Journal of Allergy & Clinical Immunology, published online Jan. 3, 2008.