Atopic eczema in children and adolescents
Children are affected quite often
Most people who suffer from atopic eczema get the disease before the age of five. For approximately 80 percent of children, they outgrow the eczema before the age of 8.
Red itchy rashes on the cheeks are often the first symptom in children. Gradually, the rash spreads over the chest, stomach and neck. Later, the rash appears in the folds of the arms and legs, as well as on the wrists and ankles, which is why atopic eczema is often called "bend fold eczema".
Three different stages
Atopic eczema is often divided into three different stages: infant, childhood and adult stages:
The infancy stage extends from birth until the child is two years old. Then the eczema is mainly on the face, on the child's neck, on the arms and legs and on the torso.
The childhood stage extends between the ages of two and twelve. The eczema then moves to the child's bends, knee folds and arm folds as well as to the ankles and wrists. At this age, the child's eczema can vary in severity and the eczema outbreaks can also vary in length. Even during eczema-free periods, the child's skin may be dry and itch easily.
If the eczema continues during adolescence, it is called the adult stage. Then it is common to have eczema on the face, including on the eyelids, forehead and around the mouth, on the neck, on the scalp, on the upper part of the chest and on the back. You can still have eczema in the folds. Eczema can also be on the nipples, buttocks and on the back of the thighs.
When should you seek help?
Does your child have recurring skin rashes that itch, worsen, spread and look different (with, for example, blisters)? Is your child under two years old and has severe itching that does not improve with daily emollients for two weeks? Is your child over two years old and has severe itching that has not improved with a week's worth of over-the-counter cortisone?
Diagnosis
Do you suspect you have atopic dermatitis? Then it is good to contact a doctor! Ask for a referral to a dermatologist.
