Childhood eczema
Childhood eczema
What is childhood eczema?
When a child develops eczema, it’s usually a type of eczema known as atopic dermatitis. This type of eczema usually begins by 5 years of age.
Is atopic dermatitis contagious? No
![Toddler with eczema on his face](http://images.ctfassets.net/1ny4yoiyrqia/57loKHj54RNBMFVIbtr04B/98fd3efc76077a11d22b81822675dce5/Could-my-child-have-eczema.jpg?w=450&h=300)
If you think your child could have eczema (also known as atopic dermatitis), the earlier it’s diagnosed the better.
![Father and baby seeing a dermatologist](http://images.ctfassets.net/1ny4yoiyrqia/12QKFXUjjW1bu8TYzXLlmD/1a5567e95ea4dd7d9acc96a99fb0e0a7/Treating-childhood-eczema2.jpg?w=450&h=300)
Here you’ll discover what can be done to control eczema and how you can start to take control.
![mother applying lotion on baby's face.](http://images.ctfassets.net/1ny4yoiyrqia/51OAMhfDfUcpqsLJIHCK7P/8e1ca415f08efa623fedc4843bfbe8c7/itch-relief-baby.jpg?w=450&h=300)
The best way to relieve itchy eczema is to get eczema under control. In the interim, find out how to find itch relief.
![Mother feeding baby with a spoon](http://images.ctfassets.net/1ny4yoiyrqia/4buc4QffE66XHGNr4aEnHl/1de25d5b9f4588d69d556b68590ca8ab/baby-eating-eczema-triggers.jpg?w=450&h=300)
Fortunately, there are things you can do to manage your child’s triggers. Discover what can help.
![Toddler listening to a stuffed animal's heart with a stethoscope.](http://images.ctfassets.net/1ny4yoiyrqia/2K7dUqLa5JTJDarp8SqNy4/d37ab6e10a1b2c6360aa8021e5bb7982/related-health-concerns-eczema.jpg?w=450&h=300)
Find dermatologists’ insights that can help you to recognize and reduce the risk of developing some related health conditions.
![Managing eczema](http://images.ctfassets.net/1ny4yoiyrqia/3P7qKYHKpmAxKzPxXzcR47/3e02f954d943198825c665f465f600d3/managing-eczema.png?w=450&h=300)
Test your knowledge about how to manage eczema.
![group of diverse kids](http://images.ctfassets.net/1ny4yoiyrqia/1tyyoySlABVNx5GI1zfISe/ea3b9ac261a6bcfcdcd0cc9d7be1952c/GettyImages-1160932512.jpg?w=450&h=300)
As the number of children who develop eczema grows, so do the studies looking for a way to prevent it. Making some lifestyle changes may reduce your child’s risk. Here’s what researchers have discovered.
![baby holding parent's hand. Eczema on the arm.](http://images.ctfassets.net/1ny4yoiyrqia/3HwOOHaRCZ9BYXpZTKomir/2e28f17b12f75ea93ada2a5e7b61e60e/baby-eczema.jpg?w=450&h=300)
A pediatric dermatologist explains how the skin and immune system are involved.
![Lady in front of a chalkboard wondering about the difference between eczema and psoriasis](http://images.ctfassets.net/1ny4yoiyrqia/2VkpulWCDXRheZ6qjuNZRB/0c45f7a8aa441bde2483a37269203a62/difference.png?w=450&h=300)
They can look alike in kids. See how dermatologists find the differences.
![Dermatologist appointment for baby](http://images.ctfassets.net/1ny4yoiyrqia/49fpeI6T1kEO5cZjuEOQW4/6e5c814d0f223ea2b51d65b98c63de7c/Dermatologist-diagnosis.jpg?w=450&h=300)
Getting an accurate diagnosis is crucial. Here’s what to expect.