Further allergy tests may be needed for kids with eczema.

Further allergy tests may be needed for kids with eczema.

Understanding the Hidden Allergies Behind Eczema: A Guide for Parents

Photo Source: HealthDay Reporter

Eczema, a group of medical conditions causing inflamed, irritated, and itchy skin, affects many children around the world. While most cases are diagnosed as atopic dermatitis, a recently published study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology suggests that some children with eczema may actually have a second type called allergic contact dermatitis. These hidden allergies can exacerbate symptoms and make eczema more challenging to manage.

Dr. JiaDe (Jeff) Yu, an assistant professor of adult and pediatric dermatology at Massachusetts General Hospital, explains that identifying these hidden allergies is crucial for effective treatment. Traditionally, physicians would assume that children with eczema have atopic dermatitis, but patch testing can provide a deeper understanding of the underlying causes of their skin condition.

Patch testing is designed to identify substances that may be irritating the skin. In the study, researchers found that children with atopic dermatitis were more likely to test positive for allergies during patch testing. This means that they could be suffering from both atopic and allergic contact dermatitis simultaneously. Yu compares these two conditions to layers of a cake, where atopic dermatitis represents the first layer and allergic contact dermatitis is the second layer. By identifying and eliminating the allergic component, the overall severity of eczema can be significantly reduced, making it more manageable for patients.

Patient Liz Schoeben can attest to the importance of testing for hidden allergies. She was diagnosed with atopic dermatitis at the age of 9, but later discovered that she also had allergic contact dermatitis through patch testing. Schoeben recalls experiencing eczema flare-ups since elementary school. However, when she reached 47 years old, her symptoms worsened, spreading to her legs and face. Patch testing revealed that she was allergic to six different substances, including common ingredients found in skincare products. Schoeben had been unknowingly exposing herself to these allergens for years, leading to increased sensitivity and worsening eczema symptoms.

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Allergic contact dermatitis can be triggered by a range of substances, including poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac, rubber, dyes, cosmetics, preservatives, fragrances, and metals such as nickel. Identifying and avoiding these triggering substances is the most effective way to manage allergic contact dermatitis.

For atopic dermatitis, treatment options include topical steroids, phototherapy (which uses ultraviolet light to reduce inflammation and itching), biologics, and JAK inhibitors. Yu also suggests lifestyle changes, such as using fragrance-free products, to alleviate eczema symptoms.

It is essential for parents to be proactive in managing their child’s eczema. Yu advises testing new skincare products before widespread use by applying them to a small patch of skin on the inside of the arm for four weeks. This precautionary measure can help identify potential allergies and prevent exacerbation of eczema symptoms.

If your child shows signs of eczema, it is crucial to consult a dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan. By taking the necessary steps to identify hidden allergies and manage them effectively, parents can help their children find relief from the burdens of eczema.

Image Source: MedicineNet

Question:

Ringworm is caused by a fungus. (True/False)

Answer: True

Source:

• American Academy of Dermatology, news release, Sept. 26, 2023