What to do if a child's eczema does not improve?

Written by Tong Peng
Pediatrics
Updated on March 31, 2025
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If childhood eczema is not improving, then it is crucial to actively search for the cause, rather than merely treating the symptoms. The care for childhood eczema mainly involves moisturizing and applying eczema ointment, but treating the primary cause is most important. The causes of eczema are varied, with common factors including genetics. If a child's parents have allergic rhinitis, eczema, or asthma, it suggests that the baby might have an allergic constitution, which can lead to recurrent episodes of eczema. Additionally, diet plays a role; consuming foods that are allergens can also trigger eczema flare-ups, especially foods containing proteins such as dairy products, eggs, and seafood products. Furthermore, contact with allergenic substances like animal dander and plant pollen can also induce eczema. Moreover, certain specific pathogens colonize on the surface of eczema-affected skin, leading to repeated outbreaks. These factors make the treatment of eczema less than ideal, so it is essential to understand the specific reasons behind the baby's eczema to tailor the treatment effectively.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
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Baby eczema treatment methods

Eczema in babies is a common problem, generally caused by allergies. To address allergies, it's important to identify the cause. Common triggers in babies include food, with cow's milk allergies being frequent, as well as contact with certain substances. Some babies who often spit up milk can develop eczema around the lips. If the allergen is identified, it is best to avoid contact with it. Topical medications can also be used, with commonly prescribed treatments including Desonide ointment (use medications under the guidance of a doctor). Desonide is a steroid medication. If you prefer to avoid steroids, other options like Dandiphen ointment (use medications under the guidance of a doctor) are available, though they might not be as effective. As the child grows older, the eczema will gradually disappear, so parents need not worry overly.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Can eczema patients eat crab?

People with eczema should not eat crab, as well as mutton, chili peppers, fish, and shrimp. They should also abstain from alcohol, as eczema is an allergic condition and it's difficult to pinpoint specific allergens. Foods like seafood, crab, and chili peppers can potentially trigger a relapse or worsen the symptoms. After the onset of eczema, the affected areas should not be washed with hot water. Instead, antiallergic medications should be used for treatment, such as oral loratadine tablets, and topical application of corticosteroid creams like compound flumethasone ointment. If symptoms persist long-term, it's advisable to visit a dermatology department at a reputable hospital to identify specific allergens and receive targeted treatment. Overall, eczema is a chronic condition that can recur frequently, so attention must be paid to one's diet and lifestyle habits.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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Eczema is divided into several types.

Eczema, based on common classifications, includes: 1. Eczema classified by the course of the disease can be divided into acute eczema, subacute eczema, and chronic eczema. 2. Classified by the location of the outbreak, it can be divided into eczema of the scalp, face, nipple, genital area, anal area, hands, and intertriginous eczema, among others. 3. Classified by age, it can be divided into adult eczema, infant eczema, etc. There are also some other classifications: 1. By the characteristics of the rash, it can be divided into erythematous eczema, papular eczema, vesicular eczema, pustular eczema, exudative erosive eczema, and crusty desquamative eczema. 2. By the nature of the cause, it can be divided into bacterial eczema (infectious eczematous dermatitis), fungal eczema, autosensitization eczema, seborrheic eczema (seborrheic dermatitis), dyshidrotic eczema, occupational eczema, atopic eczema (atopic dermatitis), among others.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
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What is infantile dry eczema?

Infant dry eczema, also known as fissure eczema, is mainly due to loss of skin moisture, reduced sebum secretion, dryness, and fine cracks in the epidermis and stratum corneum. The skin appears pale red, with cracks being more pronounced and resembling cracked porcelain. It can occur on many parts of the body, mostly seen on the limbs. This condition is commonly seen in winter when the air is dry and secretion decreases, further exacerbated by frequent hot water washing. Infant dry eczema is actually due to irritant contact dermatitis. Treatment can involve the application of emollients, such as petroleum jelly, vitamin E cream, and mineral oil, while also protecting the moisture within the skin. It is best not to use corticosteroids for treatment.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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How is scrotal eczema treated?

If you suffer from scrotal eczema, it is recommended to seek timely treatment at a hospital, use antihistamines and topical ointments under the guidance of a doctor, and try to avoid allergens in daily life, as well as reduce the consumption of irritating foods.