Winter Worsens Eczema in Children, Hadassah Doctors Advise on Care
Translated & summarized from Vesty by baba
Children's atopic dermatitis flares up in winter, causing severe itching and skin issues, according to doctors at Jerusalem's Hadassah Hospital. The condition, common globally, is worsened by cold, dry air and irritants, requiring consistent moisturizing and proper medical treatment. While steroid creams can be necessary, proper use is key, and new systemic therapies like Dupixent are available for severe cases in Israel. Parents are reassured that the condition is not due to their care, and effective management can greatly improve quality of life for the child and family.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Winter exacerbates atopic dermatitis in children, leading to increased visits to Hadassah Hospital's dermatology departments.
- Consistent moisturizing is a critical part of atopic dermatitis treatment, not just additional care.
- Parents' fear of steroid creams can lead to undertreatment, which is more dangerous than proper use.
- Home care includes short, lukewarm showers, mild soaps, cotton clothing, and avoiding irritants.
- Newer systemic treatments like Dupixent are available in Israel for severe cases unresponsive to topical care.
- Atopic dermatitis has a genetic basis and is not caused by poor hygiene or parenting.
Dermatology departments at Jerusalem's Hadassah Hospital are seeing a significant increase in children suffering from atopic dermatitis during winter months. The condition, also known as atopic eczema or "skin asthma," causes intensified itching, dry skin, and more noticeable, painful rashes. This leads to sleep disturbances and distress for affected children, a situation familiar to many families.
Atopic dermatitis is a common chronic skin condition affecting 10-20% of children globally, with most symptoms appearing before age five. Winter exacerbates the condition due to cold, dry outdoor air, dry indoor air from heating, hot showers damaging the skin barrier, and irritation from clothing like wool or synthetics. Even sweat can worsen itching. The cycle of dry skin, itching, scratching, and further skin damage can be broken with proactive care.
Parents often mistakenly view prescribed moisturizing ointments as mere cosmetic care, but they are a crucial part of treatment. Consistent application, even when the skin appears healthy, is vital. A review of 77 studies indicated that regular moisturizing reduces flare-ups, extends remission periods, and decreases the need for steroid creams.
During flare-ups, topical anti-inflammatory treatments, including steroids, may be necessary. While many parents fear steroids, their proper use under medical supervision is safer than undertreatment, which can lead to chronic itching, sleep loss, and infections. Non-steroidal options are also available for long-term use and prevention.
Home care recommendations include short, lukewarm showers using mild cleansers, avoiding sponges, and dressing children in soft cotton clothing. Maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature and keeping children's nails trimmed can prevent scratching and secondary infections. Identifying and avoiding individual triggers is also important.
When itching severely impacts a child's sleep, learning, or daily activities, or if rashes spread, become painful, show signs of infection (pus, yellow crusts, bleeding), or are accompanied by fever or general malaise, medical consultation is essential. Approximately 70% of affected skin shows Staphylococcus aureus, which can lead to infection through broken skin.
For severe cases unresponsive to topical treatments, systemic therapies are available. Dupixent (dupilumab), a biologic injection, is approved in Israel for children aged 6 months to 12 years with severe atopic dermatitis if topical treatments fail. Other options include Lebrikizumab for those 12 and older, and JAK inhibitors like Rinvoq, Cibinqo, and Olumiant. These treatments are covered by Israel's health basket under specific criteria.
It's crucial for parents to understand that atopic dermatitis is not caused by poor hygiene or parenting. It has a genetic basis, and external factors influence its course. With consistent care, timely treatment, and modern therapies, the condition can be effectively managed, significantly improving the child's and the entire family's quality of life.