Eczema is a chronic skin condition that leads to dry, red, itchy, and inflamed skin. It is sometimes called atopic dermatitis. It occurs more often in people with a family history of allergies. It can occur at any time in your life but is most common in infants, affecting up to 20% of children under 2 years of age.
Eczema is not caused by food allergies, but children with eczema are much more likely to develop food allergies than children without eczema. Treating eczema and keeping the skin healthy reduces the risk of developing food allergies.
There are multiple aspects to the treatment of eczema. The most important aspects are protecting the skin with regular moisturiser and early treatment of areas of redness (or inflammation) with topical corticosteroids. Other aspects include avoiding triggers if known, treating itch, and treating infection. Sometimes eczema is so severe that immune-modulating treatment is required.
Eczema in childhood can be managed by general paediatricians, dermatologists, and allergists.
If your child has eczema alongside other allergies, talk to your GP about seeing a paediatric allergist.