Paediatric eczema

According to a new study, a new drug has shown ‘significant’ improvement in moderate to severe eczema symptoms for patients between the age of six months and five years.

• Dupilumab, a biological drug, worked better than immune-suppressing medications. 
• Dupilumab injection is in a class of medications called monoclonal antibodies. It works by stopping the action of certain substances in the body that cause inflammation

Eczema:

• Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterised by red, dry, often oozing skin and itch that can profoundly affect the lives of affected patients and their families. 
• An estimated 19 per cent or more of all children under 6 years of age have eczema. The onset of the disease for 85-90 per cent patients happens in the first five years of life. 
• The children’s debilitating itch leads to sleep disturbance, poor neurocognitive development and, on average, a full night of sleep lost per week.
• Eczema is not contagious. The cause of eczema is unknown. It is likely caused by both genetic and environmental factors.
• Eczema may get better or worse over time, but it is often a long-lasting disease. People who have it may also develop hay fever and asthma.
  
  

Infant eczema symptoms

The following atopic dermatitis symptoms are common in babies under the age of 2:

• rashes on the scalp and cheeks
• rashes that bubble up before leaking fluid
• rashes that can cause extreme itchiness, which may interfere with sleeping

Symptoms of eczema include the following:

• Rough, leathery patches
• Intense itching
• Red, inflamed skin
• Recurring rash
• Dark colored patches of skin
• Dry, sensitive skin
• Scaly areas
• Areas of swelling
  
  

Treatments

• There is currently no cure for eczema. Treatment for the condition aims to heal the affected skin and prevent flares of symptoms.
• Doctors will suggest a treatment plan based on an individual’s age, symptoms, and current state of health.
• For some people, eczema goes away over time. For others, however, it is a lifelong condition.

Types

There are several types of eczema. Besides atopic dermatitis, other types include:

• Allergic contact dermatitis:This is a skin reaction that occurs following contact with a substance or allergen that the immune system recognizes as foreign.
• Dyshidrotic eczema:This refers to irritation of the skin on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. It is characterized by blisters.
• Neurodermatitis:This leads to scaly patches of skin on the head, forearms, wrists, and lower legs. It occurs due to a localized itch, such as from an insect bite.
• Discoid eczema:Also known as nummular eczema, this type presents as circular patches of irritated skin that can be crusted, scaly, and itchy.
• Stasis dermatitis:This refers to skin irritation of the lower leg. It is usually related to circulatory problems.