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THE THAT KEEPS ON ITCHING: Treating Eczema in the holiday season By Stephanie Calapa
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ummer – highly anticipated for many but anxiously dreaded for eczema sufferers. Air-conditioning, sweating, dry heat, humidity, chlorine in pools and pollen are all known triggers for eczema. What is meant to be an enjoyable time of the year for kids can often be uncomfortable and painful for the children who suffer from eczema and their families.
For those of you unfamiliar with this dreaded condition, eczema is a skin irritation that appears as patches of dry, red, scaly skin. Often referred to as the “itch that rashes,” eczema can be a very frustrating and painful condition, resulting in raw, sensitive and swollen skin from scratching. The most common type of eczema is called Atopic Eczema. Atopic Eczema affects people of all ages, but is far more prolific in childhood. About 1 out of every 10 kids will develop Atopic Eczema, and almost always before the age of five. For parents, it’s important to be aware of how it is caused and what can trigger it so that they can be prepared to treat those pesky flare ups. 60
Peninsula Kids – Summer 2017/18