Scientists know that the environment — from pollution to pollen — can affect kids' health, making asthma and allergies worse in some. Now, researchers suggest that kids' environment may be a factor in the rapid rise of eczema in youngsters across the globe.
A team of allergy experts tried to find out how children worldwide are being affected by eczema. Looking at eczema symptoms in nearly half a million 6- to 7-year-olds and 13- to 14-year-olds (combined) in 90 countries, researchers suggest that something — or things — in the environment could be greatly impacting eczema cases among certain ages over the past 5 to 10 years.
But how, exactly? Scientists believe that the tendency to develop eczema is often inherited. And when kids are already genetically predisposed to getting the condition, environmental factors — like pollen, mold, and excessive heat — can certainly help increase their risk. But the recent jump in eczema cases in some countries led the researchers to argue that genes alone can't be to blame since "it is highly unlikely that genetic factors would change in such a short time." That means aspects of kids' environment are probably behind the rise in childhood eczema cases.
The good news: The number of cases seems to be leveling off or decreasing in 13- to 14-year-olds in some countries (such as the United Kingdom and New Zealand) where childhood eczema used to be very common.
The bad news: Eczema in 6- to 7-year-olds keeps significantly increasing in most — especially developing — countries. And some areas (like Southeast Asia, Mexico, Chile, and Kenya) saw a rise in the 13- to 14-year-old group, too.
Unfortunately, the researchers weren't able to pinpoint the exact environmental or genetic risk factors that could be causing the increases. But the study does offer some possible clues about what might be contributing to the increasingly common condition.
More on Eczema
About 1 out of every 10 kids develops eczema. The term "eczema" refers to a number of different skin conditions in which the skin is red and sore, and occasionally develops small, fluid-filled bumps that become moist and ooze.
And with eczema often comes itching. But scratching can make the rash worse and eventually lead to thickened, brownish areas on the skin. That's why eczema is often called the "itch that rashes" instead of the "rash that itches."
Symptoms almost always appear before a child turns 5 — typically within the first few months of life. Eczema is not an allergy itself, but allergies can trigger eczema. And about half of the kids who get eczema will also someday develop hay fever or asthma, too. Luckily, though, more than half of the kids who have eczema today will be over it by the time they're teenagers.
What This Means to You
Parents can't change the fact that kids might inherit genes that make them prone to eczema. But you can help curb or improve eczema flare-ups by avoiding possible triggers that can aggravate it, such as:
- pollen
- mold
- dust
- animal dander
- dry winter air with little moisture
- letting the skin become too dry
- certain harsh soaps and detergents
- certain fabrics (such as wool or coarsely woven materials)
- certain skin care products, perfumes, and colognes (especially those containing alcohol)
- tobacco smoke
- some foods (dairy products and acidic foods like tomatoes seem to be common culprits)
- emotional stress
- excessive heat
- sweating
For kids with eczema, it can also help to:
- Use warm water with mild soaps or nonsoap cleansers. Avoid using scented soaps or giving frequent hot baths, which tend to dry the skin.
- Ask your doctor if it's OK to use oatmeal soaking products in the bath to help control the itching.
- Gently wash the skin (instead of scrubbing) and gently pat it dry with a towel.
- Apply moisturizing ointments (like petroleum jelly), lotions, or creams to the skin regularly and always within a few minutes of bathing after a very light towel dry. Avoid alcohol-containing lotions and moisturizers.
- Dress kids in soft clothes that "breathe," like those made from cotton. Avoid harsh or irritating clothing like wool or coarsely woven materials.
- Apply cool compresses (like a wet, cool washcloth) on irritated areas to ease itching.
- Try having kids wear comfortable, light gloves to bed if nighttime scratching is a problem.
- Have kids drink plenty of water, which adds moisture to the skin.
- Help children resist the urge to scratch the rash to prevent the condition from getting worse and causing more severe skin damage or an infection.
- Keep fingernails short to reduce skin damage from scratching.
If your child has been diagnosed with eczema — or is showing symptoms — talk to your doctor for advice on how to help ease itching and keep irritation to a minimum.
Reviewed by: Steven Dowshen, MD
Date reviewed: January 2008
Source: "Is Eczema Really on the Increase Worldwide?," Journal of Allergy & Clinical Immunology, published online Jan. 3, 2008.
