Kolkata: While genetic predisposition plays an important factor for a child to get eczema, on World Eczema Day on Monday, doctors said pollution, food habits and lifestyle changes are causing rising incidence of this skin condition among children.
From about 0.4 children out of 10 a decade and half ago, now around 1.3 children out of 10 get eczema, particularly atopic dermatitis, a chronic inflammatory skin condition.
“Persistent itching, disturbed sleep, repeated flare ups, fear of visible lesions can affect confidence, relationships and work. Eczema is a skin condition but is strongly linked with several other conditions including rhinitis, asthma, and gastrointestinal food reactions. Hence, it demands timely diagnosis and appropriate medical intervention,” said paediatric dermatology professor Sandipan Dhar, president Society for Eczema Studies, West Bengal. Dhar is also the head of the department at Institute of Child Health.
“Around 60% of atopic dermatitis happens below the age of two,” added Dhar.
On Monday, the organisation hosted an online seminar that was attended by doctors and recovered patients from across the globe. Doctors said if there’s a family history of eczema, asthma, or allergies, the baby is already at higher risk.
“When a child gets eczema the disease extends beyond the skin condition affecting the mental and physical health of the child along with their family,” said dermatologist Safia Bashir.
“A few types of eczema are curable while others are not curable but manageable with medicines,” said dermatologist Rajib Malakar, treasurer (SES), Bengal.
