What to do if a child's eczema does not improve?

Written by Tong Peng
Pediatrics
Updated on March 31, 2025
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If childhood eczema is not improving, then it is crucial to actively search for the cause, rather than merely treating the symptoms. The care for childhood eczema mainly involves moisturizing and applying eczema ointment, but treating the primary cause is most important. The causes of eczema are varied, with common factors including genetics. If a child's parents have allergic rhinitis, eczema, or asthma, it suggests that the baby might have an allergic constitution, which can lead to recurrent episodes of eczema. Additionally, diet plays a role; consuming foods that are allergens can also trigger eczema flare-ups, especially foods containing proteins such as dairy products, eggs, and seafood products. Furthermore, contact with allergenic substances like animal dander and plant pollen can also induce eczema. Moreover, certain specific pathogens colonize on the surface of eczema-affected skin, leading to repeated outbreaks. These factors make the treatment of eczema less than ideal, so it is essential to understand the specific reasons behind the baby's eczema to tailor the treatment effectively.

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Written by Liu Li
Pediatrics
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Symptoms of infantile eczema infection

Infant eczema is a very common skin disease in young babies. There are many causes of infant eczema, with the main reason being allergic factors, which are closely related. The symptoms of eczema include the production of many rashes. The most common locations are the baby's face, and many babies might have rashes all over their bodies. Eczema can easily recur, especially when exposed to allergenic substances or when consuming allergenic foods. Additionally, damp skin is also a significant factor. All these causes can lead to a worsening of eczema. It is crucial not to let the child scratch the affected area, as breaking the skin can lead to infection symptoms.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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What is eczema?

Eczema is a type of skin inflammation caused by multiple internal and external factors, characterized by various forms of rashes that usually have a significant tendency to exude fluid, hence the name "eczema." It usually comes with significant itching and is prone to recurrence, causing distress in patients' lives. Infant eczema is a common type of skin disease in babies and is a specific type of eczema. Commonly known as "milk cradle cap" in folk terminology, it is not a fungal disease but, like eczema, is an allergic reaction type of skin disease. Unlike other forms of eczema, however, infant eczema typically diminishes and often disappears as the child ages, with only a small fraction continuing into adulthood.

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Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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How to treat baby eczema?

Infant eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is mainly caused by an allergy to milk protein, so it is important to pay attention to the child's diet. Nursing mothers should avoid consuming beef, lamb, nuts, and seafood. Additionally, for children who are formula-fed, depending on the severity of the eczema, choose either amino acid formula or hydrolyzed protein formula. The treatment of eczema primarily involves moisturizing the skin. Therefore, applying a thick layer of moisturizer specifically designed for babies on the affected areas can be very effective in treatment. Furthermore, on top of moisturizing, under the guidance of a doctor in a hospital, a weak steroid cream can be used. With the above management, eczema can generally be controlled quickly.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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Can eczema spread?

Generally, based on the distribution characteristics of eczema rashes, we can divide it into localized eczema and generalized eczema. Localized eczema occurs in specific areas, such as the hands, ears, vulva, perianal area, breasts, elbow pits, popliteal fossae, and lower legs. These eczema cases generally do not spread but are relatively fixed. Generalized eczema, however, can be locally scattered or spread throughout the body. When care is improper, due to excessive scratching, scalding with hot water, failure to treat promptly or incorrectly, excessive use of steroids, or if it is accompanied by other internal diseases (such as diabetes, hyperthyroidism, etc.) that are not well controlled, then the range of the eczema rashes might spread throughout the body.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
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The difference between prickly heat and eczema

Prickly heat and eczema, although both are skin-related diseases, have significant differences. Firstly, looking at the causes, prickly heat mainly results from excessive sweat due to overheating and high temperatures which cannot escape. Eczema, on the other hand, is caused by a variety of internal and external factors such as allergies, seasons, and weather, leading to an allergic skin disease. Regarding treatment, prickly heat can be addressed with prickly heat powder or some cooling ointments, which often result in a cure. In contrast, eczema is typically treated with antihistamines or astringent medications. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor)