BABY WITH ATOPIC DERMATITIS: WHAT SHOULD PARENTS DO?

Atopic dermatitis, or also named as baby eczema, atopic eczema - is a form of non-infectious immune disorder in children, most common in babies from 2 months to 2 years old. ​
 
There are many causes of atopic dermatitis, of which genetic factors account for 60%. If both father and mother have atopic dermatitis, up to 80% of their children get the disease. Babies with atopic dermatitis have a damaged skin barrier, external agents easily penetrate into the skin causing dermatitis, skin irritation, symptoms such as itching, redness, dryness in children’s skin. ​
 
The disease is easily recurrent and difficult to treat, especially when the weather changes or children contact with allergens. Therefore, in order to alleviate parents' anxiety about this condition, AIH will share some solutions at home as well as caring for children with atopic dermatitis, parents please pay attention! ​
 
► Moisturize your children​

Dry skin can lead to the occurence of atopic dermatitis. Therefore, parents can apply lotion or moisturizer on your children's skin, especially immediately after bathing. ​

► Limit the use of scented products​

Stay away from scented lotion, soap or detergent. It is recommended to use light, dye-free, odor-free products, as it is less likely to cause reactions on the children’s skin. ​

► Costume ​

Hard rough clothing can scratch and irritate the children's skin. Parents should put children in costumes with soft, well-ventilated fabrics such as 100% cotton is the best. ​

► Avoid allergens​

More than 35% of children with eczema also have food allergies. Parents should make sure to know what can make children's eczema worse, for example: dust, pollen or pet hair … ​

► Bathing notices ​

Keep water in the bathtub at warm level, and the bath time should not exceed 10 minutes at once. It is possible to use highly moisturizing body wash that soothe and heal the children’s skin. ​

► Drink plenty of water ​

Make sure that your children drink enough water (for children over 6 months of age) every day as that will give their skin the necessary moisture (depending on the age and weight of children to determine how much water they should drink).
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If all above methods are applied, yet the eczema condition does not subside, on the contrary, if children have signs of fever, food refusal, fussiness, or purulent superinfection on the eczema marks, skin lesions spread all over children's face, parents should take them to visit doctor promptly for appropriate treatment in accordance with children's condition. ​
 
Pediatrics-Neonatology, American International Hospital (AIH) provides a full range of pediatric medical examination and treatment services, including general health check-up; vaccination; monitoring children’s physical, mental development; advising on nutrition; and diagnostic, therapeutic services.
 
Outpatient pediatrics in the AIH is divided into two separate areas: one for athletic children and another for sick kids in the purpose of patient classification to avoid cross-contamination. When children arrive hospital with suspicious symptoms, they will be transferred to a separate consulting area, thereby screening and isolation procedures are applied initially.  ​