Which factors can trigger my daughter’s rashes at 9?

Question

Hello doctor,

My daughter is nine years old and has been having itchy rashes on her elbows, behind the knees, and sometimes on the neck for the past two years. The skin becomes very dry, red, and sometimes she scratches until it bleeds, especially at night. She also has allergic rhinitis and frequently sneezes during seasonal changes.

Her immunoglobulin E (IgE) level was tested recently, and it is elevated at 420 IU/mL. Her hemoglobin is normal (12.2 g/dL). The pediatrician said it could be atopic dermatitis. We are applying moisturizer and mild steroid cream occasionally, but the rash keeps coming back. Please tell me,

Is this a lifelong condition?
Are there specific triggers, like food or dust, that can worsen it?
What daily skin care routine should we follow to control flare-ups?

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

Our child’s symptoms seem to be of atopic dermatitis (eczema), especially with dry, itchy rashes in the elbow and knee folds. She also has a history of allergic rhinitis with elevated immunoglobulin E.) IgE.

It is a chronic allergic skin condition, but many children improve as they grow older.

The most important step is daily skin care with thick moisturizers applied two to three times daily, especially after bathing. Also, give short lukewarm baths and avoid hot water, harsh soaps, and synthetic clothing.

Keep her away from common triggers, including include

Dust mites.
Weather change.
Sweating.
Stress.
Sometimes, certain foods.

Try to keep her nails short to prevent skin injury from scratching. Regular moisturization and trigger avoidance can significantly reduce flare-ups and itching.

During flare-ups, she might need short courses of mild topical steroid creams and get themit only after being prescribed by a dermatologist to help control inflammation. And any long-term use of steroids or over the counter (OTC) use should be avoided

I hope this information helps you.

Feel free to ask further queries.

Thank you.