SO THEY STOP SCRATCHING WITH DR SEBATA
Are there common baby skin care mistakes parents tend to make?
Using harsh soaps that dry out the skin
Long baths that dry out the skin Infrequent moisturization
At what point should one see a doctor and/ even a specialist?
Skin rashes are very common in children and not knowing which is which.. parents are very good at bringing their babies in at the onset of the rash. Baby will be reported to be scratching and not sleeping well.
If your child still has red, itchy, active eczema after 1-2 weeks of treatment, then a revisit is warranted.
Occasionally bacterial or viral infections develop on top of eczema rashes. and if parents see yellow or honeycolored crusting and scabbing, weepy or oozy skin, blisters or pus bumps, or rash that is not getting better even with the usual treatments then they should see their doctor immediately.
What are some special considerations when treating eczema in children,
particularly infants?
Preventing flare up’s is the best way to manage eczema. Lock the skin moisture by using oils and decreased exposure to hot weather.Anything that dries the skin will lead to more problems. Flare up’s should be MINIMIZED at all cost so we reduce the need for steroid medications.
In babies scratching can cause the rashes to get infected. If the rash does not improve as expected, antibiotics will be added to the treatment plan.
How is eczema typically treated? Is medicine necessarily the best way to alleviate symptoms? Eczema treatments usually target four common problems: dryness, itching, irritated skin (inflammation), and infection.
REDUCE DRYNESS: Bath the child daily for 5-10 minutes in lukewarm water. No soap is needed, but a gentle non-soap cleanse and immediately apply moisturizer to the whole body to ‘lock-in’ moisture. Don’t use bubble bath in the bath water. The creamier the moisturizer, the better. OINTMENTS -->CREAMS --> LOTIONS ( thinner and less effective)
REDUCE ITCH: keep nails short. Antihistamine medications and wet wraps
HEALING IRRITATED SKIN : Mainstay of eczema treatment is steroid creams - - for their antiinflammatory properties but these are not to be used without the direction of the doctor. The absorption of topical steroids is much better through hydrated skin; thus, the ideal time for application is in the first 3 minutes after a bath.They are weak steroids and strong steroids, and when used incorrectly, they could cause serious side effects. When necessary and the child’s skin is severe, ( red, scaly, moist) the doctor will often prescribe 2 steroid creams, with specific instruction on LOCATION and DURATION. Parents should not exceed the stated duration. When used correctly, topical steroids are very safe and effective.
Non-steroid eczema medicines also help heal irritated eczema rashes using different active ingredients than steroids. They can be helpful on mild eczema and on delicate areas of skin, like the eyelids, armpits and groin.
Share with us the dangers of using over the counter medication especially steroids to manage the condition?
Steroids can cause thinning of the skin and cause the skin color to change causing ‘white patches on our kids’
They may also cause a stinging feeling upon application to the skin.
Some children may develop an allergy to the treatment, especially if preservatives are used causing swelling.
Stronger steroids if not used as directed can potentially affect the growth of the child. Moreover, topical steroids can also possibly produce adrenal insufficiency. Again, steroid use needs to be used under medical supervision.
What else can parents do to manage the symptoms at home, any lifestyle changes or even home remedies you recommend?
UNDERSTAND THE DISEASE, TRIGGER AND CHRONICITY. This leads to less visits to the doctor. More restful nights and happier babies.
What would you say is the best way eczema can be managed during the
summer as I imagine it getting worse due to the heat and sweating?
Reduce time in under direct sunlight Long sleeved light shirts
Let them play under the share Hats
What are the other common skin conditions we see in children?
Viral skin rashes : measles, chicken pox even Covid 19 can present as a with in children
Seborrheic Dermatitis Impetigo: skin infections Hives
Insect Bites
Molluscum contagiosum Medication allergies ‘urticaria’ Viral warts