Eczema in Children's Diaper Area

According to pediatrician and author Dr. Sears, approximately 10% of children experience eczema sometime during childhood. Eczema is usually a mild condition of dry, irritated skin. It can appear anywhere on the body, and when it appears in the diaper area, it is especially prone to complications.

Types

• Eczema can be caused by a genetic predisposition toward dry skin. If skin is not kept moisturized, then it can become dry, irritated and itchy. If eczema appears suddenly and flares up after a change in laundry detergent, diet or environment, it can be an indication of an allergic reaction.

Identification

• The symptoms of eczema are dry skin, usually in patches, often with small raised bumps or occasional red, oozing patches. Eczema in the diaper area is relatively rare. If the rash is only in the diaper area, it is probably a diaper rash, not eczema.

Time Frame

• Eczema is very common in childhood. It can begin as early as two months old, and it can continue through the childhood years. Eczema in the diaper area is especially common before potty training, when the diaper adds to irritation of the skin. The average age of potty training in the U.S. is between two and three years old.

Prevention/Solution

• Prevent eczema by moisturizing regularly. When it has spread to the diaper area, keep diapers off as much as possible to allow the skin to air out. Avoid possible allergens by watching the child's diet and using gentle, moisturizing soaps. Frequent baths in lukewarm water without soap will allow water to soak into the skin.

Treatment

• For severe eczema, you can treat itching with oral antihistamines. Your doctor may also recommend cortisone cream, which contains a steroid that will lessen itching. However, the steroid can be absorbed into the bloodstream and interfere with hormones, and this is more likely to happen if the steroid is applied in certain areas, especially the diaper area. If you need to use a cortisone cream in the diaper area, use the mildest cream available, and leave the diaper off for as long as possible after application. Discontinue use as soon as the rash starts to improve.