Compassionate, pediatric-focused eczema care that brings relief to irritated skin and peace of mind to parents.
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Pediatric eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a common chronic skin condition affecting infants and children. It causes dry, itchy, inflamed patches of skin that can appear red on lighter skin tones or darker brown, purple, or gray on darker skin tones.
While eczema can be uncomfortable and distressing for both children and parents, it is manageable with proper care and treatment.
Common Signs & Symptoms:
What Causes Pediatric Eczema?
Eczema results from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Children with eczema often have a compromised skin barrier that allows moisture to escape and irritants to enter, triggering inflammation and itching. Family history of eczema, asthma, or allergies increases a child's risk of developing the condition.
Common Triggers Include:
Early Treatment Matters:
While many children outgrow eczema, proper treatment during childhood is essential to prevent flare-ups, reduce discomfort, and minimize the risk of skin infections from scratching.
Our board-certified dermatologists specialize in pediatric skin care, providing personalized treatment plans that are safe, effective, and designed specifically for your child's delicate skin.
We start with a thorough evaluation to understand your child's symptoms, triggers, and overall health. From there, we create a personalized treatment plan that can involve moisturizers, prescription medication, or light therapy.
We provide long-term management support so your child can maintain healthy skin and a better quality of life. With the right diagnosis and tailored treatment, our team helps your child find lasting relief from eczema’s discomfort and disruption.
Rashes are common in children. These rashes may itch, or they may not. Many things can cause rashes in children. Vaccines, infections, foods, and different medications can cause changes in skin color or texture. Children that have atopic eczema will usually have itchy and scaly rashes.
Most rashes will go away on their own. If the rash causes itching, severe discomfort and lasts a long time, a dermatologist should examine it. Rashes that cause the skin to ooze or blister the skin may be infected, and it should be seen by a dermatologist as soon as possible.
At what age should I bring my child to see a dermatologist?
You can bring your child to a dermatologist at any age, including infancy. If your child has persistent skin issues like eczema, rashes, birthmarks, or other concerning skin conditions, it's never too early to seek expert care. Early intervention can prevent complications and provide relief sooner.
How is pediatric eczema different from adult eczema?
Pediatric eczema often appears in different locations than adult eczema. In infants, it typically shows up as dry, scaly patches on the scalp and cheeks with discharge and crusting. In older children, it's commonly found on the inside of elbows and knees, neck, hands, and feet. Many children outgrow eczema as they enter adulthood, though it may flare up periodically.
Is eczema contagious?
No, eczema is not contagious. It's a genetic condition that runs in families and cannot be spread from person to person through contact.
Will my child outgrow eczema?
Many children do outgrow eczema as they reach adulthood. However, some may continue to experience flare-ups throughout their lives. Proper management during childhood can help minimize symptoms and reduce the likelihood of long-term issues.
Are the treatments safe for my child's sensitive skin?
Yes. Our board-certified dermatologists specialize in pediatric care and prescribe treatments specifically designed for children's delicate skin. We focus on gentle, effective options that provide relief while minimizing potential side effects.
How can I prevent my child from scratching their eczema?
Keep your child's nails short and smooth, use moisturizers regularly to reduce itching, dress them in soft fabrics, maintain a cool environment, and consider using protective mittens at night for infants. Your dermatologist can also prescribe anti-itch medications when needed.
What's the difference between eczema and a regular rash?
Eczema is a chronic condition characterized by dry, itchy, inflamed skin that tends to flare up periodically and appears in specific patterns. Regular rashes are typically temporary reactions to allergens, infections, or irritants and usually resolve on their own. A dermatologist can properly diagnose the condition and recommend appropriate treatment.
Should I use over-the-counter products or prescription treatments?
While mild cases may respond to over-the-counter moisturizers and gentle cleansers, persistent or severe eczema often requires prescription treatments like topical steroids or other anti-inflammatory medications. It's best to consult with a dermatologist to develop a personalized treatment plan.
What should I do during an eczema flare-up?
Apply moisturizer immediately, avoid known triggers, use prescribed medications as directed, keep the affected area clean and avoid scratching, and contact your dermatologist if the flare-up is severe or doesn't improve with home care.
How do I know if my child's skin condition requires urgent care?
Seek immediate care if your child develops signs of infection (increased redness, warmth, pus, fever), severe pain, rapid spreading of rashes or lesions, blistering, or if their condition significantly impacts their quality of life or sleep.
Do you offer same-day or urgent appointments for children?
Contact our office to discuss availability for urgent concerns. We understand that children's skin conditions can be distressing and strive to accommodate families as quickly as possible.
We'll start by getting to know your child and understanding your concerns. Our dermatologist will examine their skin and take time to answer all your questions in a relaxed, friendly setting.
We'll walk you through treatment options that make sense for your child and their lifestyle. You'll leave feeling informed and confident about the path forward.
From your child's treatment to recovery, we'll provide clear guidance and support. We'll check in with your child along the way to make sure you're happy with your results.
"Dr. Alvarez is a conscientious and compassionate physician. My family and I have been seeing him for 8+ years and I’ve referred him to family and friends alike.
Everyone is always pleased with the referral and the care they receive."
- V.R.
"Dr. Alvarez is incredible - by far my favorite doctor. He has helped me with a multitude of issues - advocating to my insurance for necessary care and offering me options for everything.
He and his team are dedicated to giving excellent, welcoming, quality care - and they have great views from their office."
- B.G
"Dr. Karp is truly amazing! When I walked in, I felt welcomed and at ease. She's knowledgeable and explained everything clearly. I felt comfortable and confident in her care.
I actually came to see her when my regular dermatologist couldn't get me in, but honestly, I won't be going back. Her exceptional care and welcoming demeanor have won me over completely. "
- K.P
