Researchers estimate about 20% of children have eczema, an irritating condition that affects the skin. At Bubbles Pediatrics LLC, expert pediatrician Utsahi Patel, MD, diagnoses and treats eczema in children of all ages. Using safe and effective measures of care, she can relieve your child’s symptoms and improve their quality of life. To make an appointment for your child, call the office in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, or click the online booking feature today.
Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a chronic condition that causes your child’s skin to turn red and itchy. It’s characterized by a scaly rash that can occur anywhere on your child’s body. Eczema can occur at any age, but it’s especially common in newborns and children under the age of five.
If your child regularly experiences red, itchy, or irritated skin, and it doesn’t respond to at-home treatments like over-the-counter ointments and lotions, make an appointment at Bubbles Pediatrics LLC.
Symptoms of childhood eczema include:
Eczema can occur anywhere on the body, but it’s especially common on the elbows, knees, and scalp, or behind the ears.
Experts aren’t entirely sure what causes eczema to develop in children, but several factors may contribute, including genetics and underlying medical conditions like asthma. For example, children with allergies and hay fever are more likely to experience eczema than children without.
If your child has a large, red rash that’s dry and scaly, and you regularly see them scratching it, make an appointment at Bubbles Pediatrics LLC. That’s especially true if the rash oozes or interferes with your child’s ability to play and do other routine activities.
To diagnose eczema, your child’s pediatrician reviews their medical history and asks about their symptoms, including when they started and where the rash is located. Afterward, she conducts a complete physical, carefully examining your child’s skin and scalp.
The pediatrician also orders blood work, including an immunoglobulin antibody test. This test analyzes the amount of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies in your child’s bloodstream. If your child has high levels of IgE, it means they probably have eczema. After making a diagnosis, a custom treatment plan is developed.
Treatment of eczema depends on various factors, including your child’s age and the severity of their symptoms. Though there’s no cure for eczema, it’s possible to relieve uncomfortable symptoms through a combination of healthy lifestyle changes, prescription medication, and therapeutic treatments.
Your child’s provider might recommend:
Ultimately, the goal of treatment is to prevent flare-ups and help your child live an active, vibrant life.
To explore the various treatment options for eczema, make an appointment for your child at Bubbles Pediatrics LLC by calling the office or clicking the online booking feature today.
