Management of atopic eczema in children from birth up to the age of 12 years
| Date published: | December 2007 |
| State: | Published |
Eczema (dermatitis) is a chronic skin condition characterised by episodic irritation and inflammation of the skin. The commonest form of eczema is atopic eczema, which is associated with inherited allergic conditions, such as asthma and hay fever, and as yet poorly defined environmental factors. Atopic eczema is estimated to affect 1 in 5 schoolchildren. It is a common cause for consultation in general practice and accounts for at least 15-20% of paediatric dermatological consultations.
The first signs, which usually appear in the first 2 years of life, are often dry skin and inflammation, frequently starting on the face and often involve the extensor surfaces of the limbs with the more typical flexural pattern appearing later. The cardinal symptom of eczema is itching, which causes sleep loss and tiredness, but in chronic eczema pain from fissures is also common.
Guidance on the following aspects of care is provided:
- The criteria that should be used to diagnose eczema in children
- How the severity of eczema should be classified
- How eczema should be managed between flare-ups
- How eczema should be managed during flare-ups
- The place of alternative therapies in the treatment of eczema
- How complications should be identified and managed
- How psychosocial effects of eczema should be identified and managed
- The indications for referral to specialist dermatological advice
- What education should be offered to children with eczema and their families/carers.
For general enquiries about this guideline please e-mail: enquiries@ncc-wch.org.uk.
BMJ Summary of Eczema Guideline, published 15 December 2007.
Copies of the full guideline can be purchased from the RCOG bookshop
Updated 1st April, 2008