Pediatric eczema, what department to see?

Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
Updated on September 12, 2024
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Infant eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic and recurrent skin disease that is particularly common in infants and toddlers. When a child has eczema, it primarily appears on the face, and severe cases can affect the entire body.

Since eczema primarily affects the skin, when a child has eczema, they can visit a dermatologist. Generally, children's hospitals have specialized pediatric dermatology departments. Even if a general hospital does not have a pediatric dermatology department, it is still possible to seek treatment there. At the same time, pediatricians also have extensive experience in diagnosing and treating infant eczema, so consulting a pediatrician in a general hospital can also provide excellent care for the child.

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Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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What should be done about infant eczema in the summer?

If the baby has eczema, the hot weather and increased sweating during summer can easily aggravate the condition. Therefore, it is essential to keep the child cool. If it is hot outside and the child is sweating profusely, try to keep the child indoors, preferably in an air-conditioned room. However, the air in air-conditioned rooms is quite dry, which can also worsen eczema. In such cases, it is necessary to use a humidifier, which can effectively prevent worsening of eczema due to heat and excessive sweating during summer. Additionally, even in summer, it is important to keep the child's skin moisturized. If the eczema is particularly severe, it is also necessary to use mild corticosteroid creams under the guidance of a doctor. Children who are formula-fed should continue with amino acid-based formula and hydrolyzed protein formula.

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Written by Zeng Hai Jiang
Pediatrics
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What should I do if a child's eczema is oozing?

Infant eczema, if accompanied by oozing skin, generally indicates a severe condition, primarily treated with topical medications. Calamine lotion can be applied to the affected area. If necessary, corticosteroid ointments may also be used externally, and attention must be paid to preventing local skin infections. Oral antihistamines may be administered to manage the condition, and it is important to keep the skin clean. Avoid the intake of irritating foods. If the condition of the baby worsens, it is advisable to take the child to the hospital for further diagnosis and treatment. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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Is infantile eczema contagious?

Infant eczema is not contagious because it is the most common skin disease among children, especially babies and young children, also known as atopic dermatitis. It primarily presents as local proliferative and exudative changes, and it is not an infectious disease, so it is not contagious. Therefore, infant eczema is ultimately caused by intrinsic reasons. Consequently, when a child comes into contact with another child who has eczema, they will not contract eczema. Parents should note this; it is only a skin condition and is not contagious because it is not an infectious disease. Therefore, when a child has eczema, we must treat it actively, primarily focusing on moisturizing and using mild topical corticosteroid creams. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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Can children with eczema take cephalosporins?

Children with eczema can take cephalosporin antibiotics, provided that the child is not allergic to cephalosporins. As long as there is no allergy to cephalosporins, it will not cause any issue. However, some children with eczema are also of an allergic constitution, and in such cases, many medications are not suitable. If it is necessary for a child to take cephalosporins for the first time due to a medical condition, a skin test must be conducted. Only if the skin test shows no problems, then cephalosporins can be administered to the child. During the course of taking cephalosporins, it is crucial to closely monitor the child to see if an allergic rash, like hives, appears. Eczema in children is not directly related to cephalosporins, so as long as there is no allergy to cephalosporins and there is a bacterial infection that the doctor advises to treat with this medication, it can be used under the doctor's guidance.

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Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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When will baby eczema get better?

Infant eczema is a common skin disease in infants and young children, also known as atopic dermatitis or a hereditary skin disease, and is related to factors such as allergies and the environment. Most cases of infant eczema gradually improve between the ages of one and three. Some children with allergic constitutions may continue to experience eczema throughout childhood, adolescence, and even into adulthood. However, for the vast majority of children, eczema resolves by the age of one to three. Once eczema is diagnosed, it is essential to maintain skin hydration and avoid contact with allergens. When necessary, under the guidance of a doctor at a hospital, use of mild corticosteroid creams may be recommended to control the outbreaks of eczema.