Atopic dermatitis children are the most commonly affected age group of all. 15-20% of children develop atopic dermatitis. If it’s an infant with atopic eczema, this condition may often resolve completely by the age of 2. If it’s a preschool or a school age child, this condition will also often resolve by the teens. In fact, only 1-2% of adults have atopic dermatitis.

Infantile atopic dermatitis often diffusely covers extensive areas of the body. Once a child learns to crawl, atopic dermatitis starts to localize on the areas that receive friction. Once the child learns to walk, the dermatitis starts to localize on the inner sides of the joint bends, as well as the face and the neck.

What treatments can be used for atopic dermatitis children? The foremost and the safest option are constantly moisturizing the skin of the child, especially after the child takes a shower or a bath.

If it’s a small child, you may also want to place cotton mittens on the hands of the child at bedtime, in order to avoid scratches.

Another good option to look into is special medical anti-bacterial treated bedclothes. These items are often made of 100% cotton, and they imitate silk properties, providing your child with a better sleep, and helping to eliminate the irritating friction between the skin of the child and the fabric.

There are some dietary recommendations that may also help you to improve the state of atopic dermatitis in a child. Most common food products that may cause a swelling and an aggravation of an itch in a child include: eggs, milk, soy products, wheat, and peanuts. In order not to cause any nutritional problems, you may want to try eliminating each of these products for a week or two, and see if the elimination of any of these products improves the condition of the dermatitis.

There also are some foods that may be worth adding to the child’s diet, which are the food sources of Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA – an omega-6 fatty acid). The foods richest in this acid are Evening Primrose oil and Borage oil. However, you need to consult with a doctor prior to making any sufficient alterations to the child’s diet, in order to avoid any nutritional problems and any other possible health issues.

Prescription medications that may be used for the treatment of the atopic dermatitis children older than 2 years of age include: low-potency topical steroids (e.g., 1% Hydrocortisone cream), and Calcineurin inhibitors (Elidel and Protopic). However, you need to talk to a doctor prior to starting any medicated treatment on a child.

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