![\"Baby](\"https:\/\/entsalem.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/pexels-sarah-chai-7282669-1280x853.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nEczema is an inflammatory skin condition that often appears in childhood. Common symptoms include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Itchiness<\/li>
- Dry skin<\/li>
- Redness<\/li>
- Scaly patches<\/li>
- Blisters that ooze and crust over<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
In infants, eczema is most commonly seen on the face, elbows and knees. The condition can come and go throughout life and vary in severity. Some children also manage to outgrow it. However, others will continue to deal with symptoms into adulthood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How Dogs Can Affect Eczema Risk in Infants<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Eczema is an unpleasant and uncomfortable condition, so any time something is shown to reduce a person\u2019s risk of developing it, it\u2019s exciting news.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A recent study published last year examined the association between prenatal and first-year dog exposure to eczema<\/a> in early childhood (age two years) and late childhood (age 10 years). The results of the study found \u201cthat prenatal and early-life dog exposure has a significant protective effect on eczema development at or before age 2 years.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While researchers don\u2019t know yet exactly why this is the case, they suggest that it might be because children exposed to dogs may have \u201caltered early-life immune development triggered by microbial exposures.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Do Allergies Cause Eczema?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
While having allergies<\/a> does not directly cause eczema, the two conditions are linked. If you have allergies, you are more likely to develop eczema. Eczema also tends to run in families who have a history of other allergic conditions like food allergies, seasonal allergies (hay fever) and asthma. Relatedly, being exposed to your allergy triggers may cause your eczema to flare up along with other allergy symptoms like sneezing or nasal congestion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Treatment Options<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
There is no cure for eczema, but various treatment options exist to manage your symptoms. It can be helpful to make an appointment with an allergist to see if your symptoms are linked to allergies. If you\u2019re unsure of your specific triggers, allergy testing<\/a> can be done to help identify them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Additional eczema treatment options include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Avoid your allergy triggers<\/li>
- Regularly moisturize your skin (at least twice a day)<\/li>
- Use gentle soaps and cleansers<\/li>
- Use over-the-counter corticosteroid gels or creams<\/li>
- For more severe cases, prescription medications like topical steroids or antihistamines may be used<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
If you would like more information or wish to schedule an appointment, contact Willamette ENT & Facial Plastic Surgery<\/span> today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n