ECZEMA is a non-contagious skin reaction disease. Eczema in children usually happens on the cheeks, around the lips, wrists, the inside of the elbows and abdominal skin folds, etc. Causes The possible causes of eczema include: Heredity Allergy-induced substances such as dust, wool, pollen, hair and skin scrapes from pets Proteins in food such as eggs, seafood, dairy products, beef, peanuts Symptoms Itchy skin Dry skin with redness and swelling and blisters Cracked blisters, weeping skin Scab and desquamation Skin thickening and lichenification at affected areas Infection caused by bacteria at affected areas Other allergic symptoms such as allergic rhinitis, asthma General Care Bathing * Don’t bathe for too long * Don’t bathe with very hot water. Use water of a mild temperature * To avoid irritation of the skin, don’t scrub the skin too hard with a towel or a sponge when bathing * Avoid using soap, perfumed cleansing agent or disinfectant for bathing. Use a soap substitute and emollient as instructed by your doctor to moisturize skin Clothes * Choose clothes made from pure cotton which absorbs sweat and keeps you dry. * Avoid direct contact of the skin with woollen sweater or flannel coat by wearing cotton underclothesbr> * Avoid the use of excessive washing powder when doing laundry, and make sure the washing powder has been rinsed away completely/p> Dietary habit * Avoid eating food which have caused allergic reactions before * Pay attention to nutrition balance to improve body immunity Household environment * Always keep your home clean, avoiding accumulation of dust * Don’t use carpet, upholstered sofa or fluffy toys * Don’t keep hairy pets or grow flowering plants * Avoid polluted and dusty environment * Maintain a cool indoor temperature to prevent sweating Outdoor activities * Avoid doing outdoor activities under strong sunshine to prevent skin irritation caused by excessive sweating * Always prepare a wet towel to wipe the sweat in hot weather or when doing exercise * Keep clean after exercise as soon as possible Psychosocial aspect * Children may feel embarrassed or even be excluded by schoolmates due to a red and blotchy face. Parents should be understanding and explain patiently to them that this disease is not contagious. They should encourage their children to accept their disease and participate in social activities as usual * Parents can also explain to the teachers so that teachers and schoolmates understand the condition of their child so as to avoid affecting normal social contact * Always keep a relaxed and cheerful mood. Avoid excessive anxiety Treatment Skin care - Use moisturizing products frequently to keep skin moist Both external medication and oral medication can be used to relieve symptoms * Antipruritic and anti-allergic medication * Antibiotic – anti-inflammatory and bactericidal * Steroid – Topical steroid: an essential part of management. Oral steroid: only use in severe conditions Notes for Follow-up Consultation and Medication Take appropriate medication on time according to doctor’s instruction Apply correct amount of ointment onto the affected parts in correct frequencies according to instruction Be aware of reactions to medications. If redness, swelling or blisters appear, stop the medication immediately and inform your doctor Don’t take medication without doctor’s instruction, nor purchase medication by yourself or use other person’s medication Take antipruritic medication under doctor’s instruction when the skin itches. Oral antipruritic medication usually causes drowsiness, so avoid taking it when about to go out or before attending a class. Advice to Parents Keep a tidy, fresh, clean and cool household Choose pure cotton clothings. Avoid using excessive washing powder when doing the laundry and make sure all the washing powder has been rinsed off Don’t bathe for too long. Maintain suitable water temperature and use emollient frequently to keep skin moisturized Don’t choose fluffy toys. Don’t keep pets nor grow flowering plants Keep your child happy and comfortable Maintain a balanced diet Always keep short nails to avoid injury to skin by scratching. When your child feels itchy, distract his/her attention Apply medication safely and properly, and attend follow-up medical appointment as scheduled