Eczemais a group of skin conditions that cause uncomfortable symptoms.
This discomfort also makes it more difficult for the child to sleep.
Repeatedly scratching the affected skin can lead to bleeding and increase the risk of infection.
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With time, the skin can also become thickened and/or leathery.
Symptoms of flexural eczema can come and go.
When a person’s symptoms are present, they are experiencing a “flare-up.”
Causes
The exact cause of flexural eczema is not known.
It helps to keep allergens (substances that can trigger an allergic reaction) from entering your body.
It also helps to keep your skin hydrated by preventing water from leaving the cells.
When filaggrin is lacking, water can escape from the skin and dry it out.
Allergens can more easily enter the body and cause a flare-up in symptoms.
However, there are several treatments that can reduce symptoms during a flare-up.
The affected skin can be treated with topical creams that contain steroids to reduce inflammation.
These help reduce symptoms during a flare-up.tacrolimus and Elidel (pimecrolimus) are examples.
Janus kinase inhibitors may be prescribed.
These medications interfere with an enzyme that promotes inflammation.
It blocks a receptor to inhibit inflammation.
Adbry (tralokinumab-ldrm) and Ebglyss (lebrikizumab-lbkz) are other biologic medications approved for eczema.
double-check to stay well hydrated and dress in breathable fabrics, particularly when the weather is hot.
The skin can be red and itchy.
It may have an underlying genetic risk factor, and people with it often have allergies.
Flexural eczemacan be stressful, especially for babies and young children who can’t understand why they are uncomfortable.
This can be equally stressful for the adult caring for the baby or child who isn’t feeling well.
Talk to your doctor about resources, and consider talking with other parents or caregivers for support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Flexural eczema is a specific pop in of atopic dermatitis.
All types of eczema, including flexural eczema, are not contagious.
Unfortunately, skin discoloration that happens with eczema can often be permanent.
DermNet NZ.Atopic flexural eczema images.
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Zaniboni MC, Samorano LP, Orfali RL, Aoki V.Skin barrier in atopic dermatitis: beyond filaggrin.
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MedlinePlus.FLG gene.
National Eczema Association.Atopic dermatitis 101.
American Academy of Pediatrics.Eczema in babies and children.
