The Itch Factor

The Weekly asks experts everything you want to know about the dreaded rash to understand your childs eczema better

Most kids get itchy rashes at one time or another. But eczema can be a nuisance that may prompt scratching that makes the problem worse. If you think your kid has eczema, join the club. Eczema is the most common inflammatory skin disease of childhood share, consultant clinical immunologist/Allergist and Consultant Paediatrician, Dr Amir Hamzah Abdul Latiff. Global epidemiological surveys report that 15 per cent of the population in developed countries suffers from eczema, while a lower but growing percentage of the population in developing countries experience this condition. So why are our kids affected and how can we help?

AN ITCHY Issue

The term eczema refers to a number of different skin conditions in which the skin is red and irritated. In simple term, eczema means inflammation of the skin. Dr Kenneth Looi, Consultant Paediatrician at Columbia Asia Hospital, says that atopic eczema tends to flare up from time to time and usually starts in early childhood. “The severity can range from mild to severe. It consists of skin that is inflamed with the presence of swelling, itchiness, red papules (small raised rashes) and oozing. It is a chronic (long-term) condition that causes itchiness,” explains Dr Looi.

Bath Time Essential

Give a gentle body wash like QV Gentle Body Wash a go. The soap-free cleanser is extremely gentle on the skin, designed with a low-irritant formula that’s free from colour, fragrance, lanolin, and other ingredients that can trigger sensitivities. It’s also enriched with 15 per cent glycerin to hydrate and lock moisture in your skin.

“Eczema is most frequently found on the face, wrists and inner surfaces of the elbows and knees. The affected skin may become thickened.”