Eczema is the name of a group of conditions that cause the skin to become red, itchy, and inflamed. It’s estimated that over 30 million Americans, nearly 1 in 10 people, have eczema. Most unfortunate is that about one third of those with eczema are children under the age of 18.
That’s not cool, as it leads to a constant battle with skin irritation, and it can take a toll on a kid’s developing self-esteem.
At Skin Care Research, we are currently accepting new children for our latest study on childhood eczema. Being a part of this clinical trial can provide new options for care for your child.
What is childhood eczema?
The term “eczema” comes from a Greek word meaning “to boil over.” Patients dealing with an eczema flare-up can certainly relate to that description of their inflamed patches of skin. Eczema can range from mild to moderate to severe. In severe cases, the skin can become leathery and develop cracks.
Eczema is common in babies, and is the basis of cradle cap. Several types of eczema are common in children: atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, and seborrheic dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis is the most common, and it usually appears in the first six months to 5 years of a child’s life.
Why do children develop eczema?
The exact cause of eczema is unknown. Researchers do know that children who develop eczema do so because of a combination of genes and environmental triggers. When something outside the body “switches on” the immune system, skin cells don’t behave as they should, causing flare ups. Despite there being different types of eczema, when an irritant or allergen causes the patient’s immune system to kick in, the skin inflammation and redness is common to all types.
Research has also shown that children who come from families with a history of atopic dermatitis, asthma, or hay fever (known as atopic triad) are more likely to develop atopic dermatitis.
What are some triggers for a child’s eczema?
Eczema flare-ups are initiated by “triggers.” The key to managing eczema is managing a child’s known triggers, which can be…
- Dry skin
- Irritants
- Heat and sweating
- Infection
- Allergens such as pet dander, pollen, or dust
If your child is between 2-17 years old and has been diagnosed with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis, he or she may be eligible to participate in our clinical trial on childhood eczema. If you’d like more information about the current trial and if your child would be eligible, please give us a call at (561) 948-3116.
