Young children are prone to a number of skin diseases as they grow up. A very common skin problem in children, atopic dermatitis is a form of eczema that affects about 20% of children (Drucker et al., 2017). The disease occurs in children with sensitive skin that is easily irritated by heat, sweat, rough clothing, and cleansers, soaps, and detergents. Atopic dermatitis normally improves as a child grows older and is absent by school age or puberty. Nevertheless, some children might develop a more chronic condition that may need advanced medical interventions (Drucker et al., 2017). This paper provides an infographic that presents critical information about atopic dermatitis in children, including the causes, symptoms, and the best intervention methods for parents and guardians with children suffering from the skin condition.
Parents are advised to limit bathing the affected children to one or two times a week because frequent bathing causes skin dryness and increases itching. However, children with environmental allergies such as animal fur and pollens need frequent bathing, especially after contact with the allergens. In addition, routine diluted bleach baths help to reduce bacteria on the skin and decrease the risk of further infections (Drucker et al., 2017). Therefore, this form of bath is necessary if done once or twice a week.
Moreover, wet wraps are important in reducing infection and itching. Parents should place wet dressings on the child after applying medications such as topical steroids, which helps increase the effectiveness of the medication. Ace wraps and wet cotton clothes are the best wet wrap treatment for the children (Drucker et al., 2017). Parents are also advised to conduct follow-up visits to their physicians to ensure frequent examination and monitoring for progress and possible side effects.
Reference
Drucker, A. M., Wang, A. R., Li, W. Q., Sevetson, E., Block, J. K., & Qureshi, A. A. (2017). The burden of atopic dermatitis: Summary of a report for the National Eczema Association. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 137(1), 26-30.