10month old with eczema

[RachyH]

My son is 10months old and has had eczema since he was about 5 months,he has had loads of different creams that work for a short time then it flares up again.I must also state that he has been put on a dairy free gluten free diet which has eased it but hasn't helped greatly.My GP will not prescribe an antihistamine for him as he is under 1yr, is there anything with similar effects to an antihistamine that he can use?

[RachyH]

Thanks very much i will contact my GP practice and see if the can get him refered to get the tests done.

he doesn't seem effected by animals as we have a dog and his gran has a cat and i was toldthat he would have constant streaming eyes and sneezing if the animals were effecting him

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

Eczema is a form of chronic dermatitis (rash).Allergic reaction is one of the important causes of eczema. Allergic reaction can occur to strong soaps, Solvents, chemicals, certain foods, food additives, plants, metals, cosmetics, even urine and faeces of some animals (dust mites).
Diagnosis of eczema due to allergies includes skin ***** tests (pricking the skin with a needle or pin containing a small amount of the allergen ('***** Testing' or 'Scratch Testing'), patch tests (by applying a patch to the skin, where the patch contains the allergen.)and RAST.

Treatment includes avoidance of the allergen, oral antihistaminics and topical application of corticosteroids.You may try application of calamine on the affected site. It may work by soothing the skin.SAteroids are not indicated in infants less than 1 year of age.

Pls seek an appointment with an allergist for his complete examination and for figuring out the allergen to which he may be having allergy.Then complete avoidance of that allergen will be the best treatment.

Hope it helps .Take care and pls do keep us posted in case you have any additional queries.Kind regards.