Parents Should Be Vigilant About Atopic Dermatitis in Young Children

Update date: 16-05-2025
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Atopic dermatitis can cause not only discomfort but also affect a child’s health and emotional well-being. This condition presents in various forms, from red rashes and itching to dry, peeling skin. Parents should closely monitor for early signs to ensure timely intervention. To better understand allergic skin conditions in children and how to care for them effectively, follow this article from H PLUS International Medical Center.

1. What Are the Common Types of Atopic Dermatitis in Children?

1.1. Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)

Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, is a common dermatological condition in young children. While not life-threatening, it can cause significant discomfort due to dry, itchy, and irritated skin, greatly affecting a child’s daily activities. This condition is prone to recurrence and may lead to skin infections or psychological distress.

Depending on its progression, eczema in children is divided into two types:

  • Acute: Appears as red patches, peeling, tiny blisters, and swelling, causing intense itching.

  • Chronic: Red, thickened, scaly skin lesions, which may ooze yellow fluid and lead to pigmentation changes.

Causes of eczema in children include:

  • Genetics: Higher risk if there is a family history of eczema, asthma, or allergic rhinitis.

  • Sensitive constitution: Triggered by allergens like food, chemicals, dust, or weather changes.

  • Weather changes: Cold or dry climates may worsen symptoms due to moisture loss in the skin.

1.2. Rash

Rashes occur when the body releases histamine, leading to swelling, redness, and itching. Rash patches vary in size and may appear anywhere on the body.

1.3. Urticaria (Hives)

Urticaria is a common allergic skin reaction, usually affecting the hands, feet, mouth, or eyelids. Symptoms include:

  • Raised, red welts of various shapes.

  • Itching, discomfort, possibly accompanied by fever, dizziness, or shortness of breath.

  • Red, burning skin, and sometimes angioedema.

Children with underdeveloped immune systems are easily affected by viruses, bacteria, or environmental triggers. Common causes include food allergies (especially seafood), medications, pollen, insect bites, animal fur, chemicals, or sudden weather changes.

1.4. Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis occurs when the skin reacts to irritants or allergens, resulting in rashes or redness. This may stem from allergic responses or direct contact with irritating substances.

1.5. Angioedema

Angioedema is swelling of the deeper layers of the skin, typically affecting soft tissues like the eyelids, lips, or genitals. Unlike rashes, angioedema does not cause redness or itching but may involve significant swelling. It results from chemicals released by mast cells in the body.

2. Can Atopic Dermatitis in Children Be Treated?

Although atopic dermatitis in children cannot be completely cured, it can be effectively managed through medication, skincare, and lifestyle changes. Treatment goals include:

  • Controlling symptoms and preventing flare-ups.

  • Reducing itching and avoiding skin damage from scratching.

  • Alleviating discomfort and avoiding known triggers.

  • Preventing secondary infections.

  • Avoiding skin thickening from prolonged inflammation.

Parents can help ease their child’s symptoms by:

  • Using child-safe moisturizing creams to maintain skin hydration.

  • Seeking early medical consultation to control itching and irritation.

  • Bathing the child daily with lukewarm water, keeping the skin dry, and avoiding tight clothing.

3. How to Help Your Child Prevent Allergic Dermatitis

To reduce the risk of allergic skin reactions and protect sensitive skin, parents should:

  • Keep skin clean and dry: Bathe daily with warm water, gently pat dry, and avoid prolonged dampness.

  • Establish healthy routines: Ensure adequate sleep and consistent schedules to strengthen immunity.

  • Choose appropriate clothing: Opt for soft, breathable cotton garments that are well-laundered.

  • Practice proper skincare: Use gentle cleansers suitable for young children. Caregivers should also maintain good hand hygiene.

  • Ensure adequate hydration: Support natural skin moisture by encouraging water intake.

  • Control allergenic foods: Limit intake of foods like chicken, beef, fermented items, and processed foods in sensitive children.

  • Avoid allergen exposure: Keep children away from stuffed toys, pets, or wool blankets that may cause irritation.

  • Avoid unprescribed topical treatments: Refrain from using unknown creams, which may worsen skin conditions.

If your child shows signs such as sleep disturbances, painful skin lesions, pus, red streaks, or yellow crusting, bring them to a medical facility promptly for proper evaluation and treatment.

4. Diagnosis and Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis at H PLUS International Medical Center

H PLUS International Medical Center offers professional diagnosis and care for atopic dermatitis, helping families understand the condition and manage it effectively to prevent recurrence.

Why choose H PLUS for dermatological care?

  • Top dermatology experts: Led by seasoned Vietnamese and Korean dermatologists with extensive experience in pediatric skin conditions and access to advanced medical practices.

  • Advanced equipment and technology: High-resolution skin imaging systems allow accurate diagnosis of lesions. Our international-standard facilities ensure a modern, safe, and comfortable clinical environment.

Our dermatology services include:

  • Specialist dermatology consultations with leading physicians.

  • In-depth diagnostic tests: IgE quantification, fungal microscopy, allergen testing (respiratory and food allergens), and more.

For consultation or appointments, contact H PLUS International Medical Center via hotline: +84 24-7306-9889. Let us support your child’s skin health with compassion and expertise.


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