Pediatric Eczema

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Los Angeles and Santa Monica, CA

Pediatric eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that often affects children. It can develop due to either genetic or environmental factors. Eczema occurs in approximately 15% to 30% of children, with 60% of cases appearing within the first year of life. (1)

Pediatric eczema can show up in several areas of the body, with symptoms ranging from mild itchiness to persistent, painful lesions. While not contagious, these symptoms can significantly affect your child’s daily comfort and quality of life, often making it necessary to seek out treatment.

Dr. Sandra Oska is a board-certified dermatologist at the Dermatology Institute & Skin Care Center who specializes in pediatric dermatology. Dr. Oska offers several years of experience in the medical field and has received training and guidance under highly esteemed dermatologists.

If you are ready to learn more, please schedule a consultation online or call (310) 829-4104.

About Pediatric Eczema

Types of Eczema

There are several different types of eczema that your child may experience, including:

  • Contact Dermatitis: Your child may experience this type of eczema after being exposed to a specific allergen. This type of reaction typically manifests as itchy skin or a rash in the area that made contact with the triggering substance.
  • Nummular Dermatitis: Itchy, red, and scaly lesions distinguish nummular dermatitis. These lesions are typically round and coin-shaped, and often appear on the legs and other extremities.
  • Seborrheic Dermatitis: Seborrheic dermatitis typically presents itself as itchy patches of skin, greasy scales, or flaking. This condition typically affects the scalp, ears, eyebrows, and sides of the nose, and may be referred to as “cradle cap” in infants.

Benefits

Addressing your child’s pediatric eczema offers significant benefits, including:

  • Anti-Inflammatory Effects: The primary benefit of our pediatric eczema treatments is their ability to reduce redness and irritation during flare-ups.
  • Improved Comfort: Our eczema treatments can help eliminate any physical discomfort, pain, or itching caused by symptoms.
  • Reduced Recurrence: Dr. Oska can perform certain treatments to lower the chances and severity of future episodes.
  • Prevents Complications: Seeking professional help and guidance can help you manage any potential complications, such as broken skin, lesions, or blisters.
  • Tailored Treatment Plan: Dr. Oska personalizes each patient’s treatment plan to ensure the strategies being used are the most effective for their needs.

Candidates

You may want to consider seeking professional help if you have noticed your child is experiencing recurring or ongoing redness, dryness, itching, or rashes—you might notice these symptoms manifest or worsen during weather changes, when your child wears certain fabrics, or when you use specific detergents on your child’s clothes. If you have already tried over-the-counter treatments and have not seen substantial improvements in your child’s skin condition, it might be time to speak to a professional about what your next steps might be. During a consultation, Dr. Oska will meet with you and your child to determine their candidacy for pediatric eczema treatments.

Personal Consultation

Before you move forward with eczema treatment for your child, you two will attend a personal consultation with Dr. Oska. She will examine the physical symptoms that have developed to determine which type of eczema they are experiencing. It can be helpful to make a list of the triggers you have noticed that you think might be causing the eczema or making it worse. After obtaining all the necessary details, Dr. Oska will recommend the most effective methods for addressing your child’s symptoms and improving their comfort.

If you are ready to schedule this consultation, please contact us online. Alternatively, our Santa Monica office may be reached directly at (310) 829-4104.

Available Treatments

There are numerous treatments available to address pediatric eczema, including topical corticosteroids, topical calcineurin inhibitors, PDE-4 inhibitors, biologics, and JAK inhibitors. During a consultation, Dr. Oska will evaluate medical history, symptoms, and more to choose the most effective treatment method for their concerns.

Topical Corticosteroids

Topical corticosteroids (TCS) are the primary treatment for eczema. TCS are anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive, meaning they reduce immune overactivity in the skin to decrease inflammation and itching. TCS is available as an ointment, cream, lotion, gel, or foam, with the most appropriate form varying depending on the specific eczema type and symptoms present.

Topical Calcineurin Inhibitors

Topical calcineurin inhibitors typically consist of pimecrolimus cream and tacrolimus ointments. These nonsteroidal ointments are FDA-approved in differing strengths, with both having anti-inflammatory effects. TCIs help reduce inflammation without causing skin thinning, making them particularly useful for sensitive areas.

PDE-4 Inhibitors

Crisaborole, a phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE-4) inhibitor, is indicated for mild to moderate eczema in children 3 months and older. PDE-4 is an enzyme that regulates inflammation in the body, and is theorized to play a role in the eczema disease process. Information regarding this treatment is still limited, but it has been shown to have a high safety profile when topically applied.

Biologics

Targeted biologic therapy consists of medications derived from living organisms. Out of the biologics available, dupilumab is the primary one that is FDA-approved for pediatric eczema. This treatment inhibits two messengers within the immune system that are responsible for activating the inflammatory pathways that contribute to recurrent flare-ups or episodes. This means that when taken, dupilumab can reduce redness, itchiness, and other uncomfortable symptoms associated with pediatric eczema.

Results

After your child’s eczema treatment, you will be able to notice improvements in the overall appearance and health of their skin. Results may appear within several days to weeks after beginning their new regimen. Your child may also experience improvements in their sleep quality, daily comfort, and even their overall quality of life.

It is important to understand that eczema is a chronic condition. This means ongoing treatment is required to manage your child’s symptoms and preserve their results long-term. Follow-up visits may be recommended to monitor your child’s response to treatment and make adjustments as needed. Consistent skincare routines and trigger avoidance play a key role in preventing future flare-ups and maintaining healthy skin.

Cost of Pediatric Eczema in Santa Monica, Los Angeles

The cost of your child’s pediatric eczema treatments can vary depending on multiple factors. Dr. Oska will assess your child’s skin condition and symptoms to determine the most effective treatment methods for their needs. Once you and Dr. Oska discuss and select them, she will provide you with a comprehensive cost estimate.

To learn more about the cost of your child’s pediatric eczema treatment, please schedule a consultation online or call (310) 829-4104.

FAQ

What causes pediatric eczema?

Pediatric eczema can develop for various reasons. It is often associated with genetics, a dysfunctional skin barrier, as well as environmental factors. Common environmental triggers may include harsh soaps, fragrances, temperature changes, pollen, dust mites, or certain fabrics. Stress and skin dryness can also worsen symptoms, making daily skincare especially important. During your child’s initial consultation, Dr. Oska will help determine the root cause of their condition to determine the most appropriate treatment methods.

Will my child ever outgrow eczema?

The longevity of your child’s pediatric eczema can vary. While most children’s eczema will improve with time, it is not uncommon for eczema to persist into early adulthood. Receiving professional guidance can help patients manage bothersome symptoms and reduce the occurrence of potential complications. Even when eczema improves, flare-ups can still occur later in life, particularly during periods of stress or environmental changes.

When should I take my child to see a specialist about their pediatric eczema?

You should take your child to see a professional if your child is experiencing recurring or frequent infections, suspected allergies, or if the affected area covers a significant portion of the body. Specialty care is also recommended if over-the-counter treatments are no longer effective or if symptoms are interfering with sleep, school, or daily activities.

Is pediatric eczema contagious?

Pediatric eczema is not contagious, and children cannot transmit it to one another. It is caused by inflammation and skin barrier dysfunction, not by bacteria, viruses, or fungi.

How can I help manage my child’s pediatric eczema symptoms?

You can help your child manage their eczema using either coconut oil, aloe vera, or other natural products. It is strongly recommended to consult a professional before testing any new treatments to avoid any potential irritation. In addition, using fragrance-free moisturizers, gentle cleansers, and following a consistent skincare routine can significantly reduce flare-ups. Identifying and avoiding known triggers can further support long-term symptom control.

Can diet affect my child’s pediatric eczema?

Certain foods can trigger or worsen eczema in some children, particularly if they have food allergies. Common culprits may include dairy, eggs, nuts, soy, or wheat. However, not all children with eczema have food-related triggers. It is important to consult a healthcare professional before making any dietary changes or eliminating foods.

References

  1. Nemeth V, Syed HA, Evans J. Eczema. PubMed. Published 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538209/#article-20891.s4
  2. Johnson H, Yu J. Current and Emerging Therapies in Pediatric Atopic Dermatitis. Dermatology and Therapy. Published online October 18, 2022. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s13555-022-00829-4