INFANT ECZEMA
BABY BUSINESS EASING ECZEMA IN INFANTS
A VAST ARRAY OF OINTMENTS, CREAMS, LOTIONS, AND BATH AND SHOWER PREPARATIONS ARE BOTH SOLD BY AND DISPENSED FROM PHARMACIES THROUGHOUT THE UK EVERY DAY. THERE ARE VARIOUS SKIN CONDITIONS TO DIFFERENTIATE BETWEEN, SO IT CAN BE DIFFICULT FOR THE PARENTS OF YOUNG INFANTS TO KNOW HOW BEST TO MANAGE AND TREAT A SKIN RASH OR CONDITION SHOULD IT ARISE.
A vast array of ointments, creams, lotions, and bath and shower preparations are both sold by and dispensed from pharmacies throughout the UK every day. There are various skin conditions to differentiate between, so it can be difficult for the parents of young infants to know how best to manage and treat a skin rash or condition should it arise. Pharmacists are in a
46 - SCOTTISH PHARMACIST
prime position in the community to help; it is essential for pharmacists to be fully equipped with the skills and knowledge required to provide up-to-date advice and support. One of the most commonly encountered skin conditions is atopic eczema which affects around 15% of children. Approximately 80% of cases occur in children under five years old, with a high level of onset in infants aged
below one year old3 .
Eczema comes from the Greek words “Ek” meaning “out” and “Zein” meaning “boil”, translating as a break out or boil out of the skin. It is a chronic condition and is usually relapsing in nature, however in some severe cases it is continuous. Exacerbations can occur twice or even three times per month. Eczema
sufferers tend to have a reduction in the lipid barrier of the skin, leading to higher rates of water loss and a tendency for skin dryness. The areas of the body primarily affected in infants are the face, scalp and extensor surfaces2
. . The trunk can also
be affected but the napkin and nappy areas are usually spared3,5
The cause of atopic eczema is not a single factor, however it is known to establish in genetically susceptible individuals when exposed to environmental irritants or allergens. It occurs in approximately 80% of children where both
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60