Here’s What Parents Should Know If Children Get Eczema, Dermatitis This Winter

Long hot baths that remove natural oils can cause eczema in kids

Every winter, parents might see some changes in their kids: rough cheeks, dry, itchy patches on their arms and legs, and increased scratching at night. It is quite common to see small bumps that become red when rubbed and white, flaky areas of the skin on the shins. Such things are usually taken for granted as normal winter dryness; however, they could be the initial signs of eczema or dermatitis.

According to the Mayo Clinic, eczema is a group of skin conditions that cause dry, red, very itchy, inflamed patches that can sometimes ooze, crust, or thicken from repeated scratching. Dermatitis is a broader medical term that simply means “skin inflammation” and includes different conditions such as atopic dermatitis (eczema), contact dermatitis, and seborrheic dermatitis. While both skin conditions are non-contagious, they are often triggered by irritants, allergens, dry skin, or a sensitive immune system and can usually be managed with moisturisers, avoiding triggers, and medicated creams when needed.

Dr Ridhima Arora, MBBS, MD (Dermatology & VD), Malik Radix Healthcare, says, “According to research, around 3 to 7% of children in India suffer from eczema, and the cold, dry air that rapidly dries the skin makes the symptoms more visible in winter.”

Everyday Habits That Make Eczema Worse

• Long hot baths that remove natural oils

• Direct contact of the skin with woollen sweaters

• Use of indoor heaters that absorb moisture from the air

• Excess washing and using scented cleansers

Dr Ridhima shares some simple home remedies that can help both parents and kids deal with winter flare-ups through a few consistent small changes in habits:

• Make the duration of the baths short and the water lukewarm

• Employ mild, non-fragrance containing cleansers

• Put on moisturiser soon, not later than three minutes from skin drying

• Wear children first in soft cotton and then put on woollen layers

When is the right time to visit a Dermatologist?

If itching affects your kid’s sleep and their skin begins to crack, is painful, or is oozing substance, visit a dermatologist, shares Dr Ridhima. If the skin looks like it is infected, medical care is obligatory. Treatment at an early stage lessens discomfort and stops the skin from being irritated for a long time during the cold season.

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