By Park Chung-a
Staff Reporter
Summer is a happy time for those who have travel plans to mountains and rivers. However, there are some people who hesitate to plunge themselves into the cool sea or a river. They are sufferers of atopic dermatitis.
Atopic dermatitis, or eczema, is a common problem in infants and children, usually beginning between two and six months of age with very dry and sensitive skin that will then become red and extremely itchy. It often starts on the forehead, cheeks and scalp and spreads to the trunk, creases of the elbows, knees, and wrists. With scratching the rash may become raw, crusted and weepy.
While many parents do not find a specific cause for their child's eczema, it is sometimes worse in the summer, when kids swim and are outside in the heat sweating.
Han Seong-ho, an atopy expert and head of Atomi, a hospital specializing in allergies and atopic dermatitis, said that unless one is allergic to disinfectant contained in water in pools or salt in sea water, swimming is not harmful. However, Han said that it is important to moisturize the skin by washing the body with lukewarm water after swimming.
There is no cure for eczema and the main treatments are aimed at controlling and preventing inflammation and itching and avoiding triggers.
Other treatments include frequent bathing and hydrating of the skin, liberal use of moisturizers and lubricants, and the use of steroid creams and new non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications for flare ups.
During the summer, you may have to take extra steps to keep your childrens' eczema under control. Here are some of the important tips to keep in mind.
Frequent showers aimed at getting rid of sweat can deteriorate the rashes dryness for some atopy patients. Others, whose skin is sensitive and immunity is weak, should always make sure to moisturize their skin.
Help children keep themselves cool and avoid sweating a lot by avoiding outdoor activities when the sun is at its hottest, which is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Wash chlorine off with soap or a soap substitute and then quickly apply a moisturizer within three to five minutes. If you cannot bath or wash off the chlorine, at least apply a moisturizer right away as soon children get out of the water, whether they have been in a pool, the ocean or a lake.
Help children control itching as soon as it starts. The use of moisturizer is aimed at supplying moisture to dry skin and maintaining it, hence preventing skin damage and alleviating itching. However, it is important to use the right moisturizers.
Kim In-joong, an atopy expert said that for those who have serious skin trouble due to atopy, some moisturizers can harm the skin.
Therefore, experiment with sunscreens and insect repellents to find one that works well and does not trigger eczema. In general, avoid gels, consider using a titanium dioxide based sun block, and look for products that are designed for people with sensitive skin. If children cannot tolerate a sunscreen or insect repellent, take other steps, like getting them to wear a hat, long pants and long sleeve shirts to avoid sunburn and bug bites.
Consider avoiding greasy moisturizers which some people think are too occlusive and can obstruct sweat ducts and make eczema worse in the summer. For many children, these moisturizers work great though, even in the summer.