Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Persistent Whole Body Itchy Eczema In A Child?
Question: My 2 year old grandson has had red, itchy eczema patches all over his body for many months (no sneezing, itchy eyes, runny nose, but at rare times labored breathing). He recently had blood work done which showed out of range readings on:
1) pteronyssinus 0.27 2) dog dander 1.64 - there are two dogs in the house and 3) milk 0.22
We know how to TREAT eczema (moisturizers etc.) but we want to get to the CAUSE.
So my questions are whether the above make the eczema worse, or, can they actually be the cause of the eczema. What do you suggest be reduced or eliminated?
1) pteronyssinus 0.27 2) dog dander 1.64 - there are two dogs in the house and 3) milk 0.22
We know how to TREAT eczema (moisturizers etc.) but we want to get to the CAUSE.
So my questions are whether the above make the eczema worse, or, can they actually be the cause of the eczema. What do you suggest be reduced or eliminated?
Brief Answer:
Eliminate dust mite and milk exposure completely as first step
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Mite allergen (pteronyssinus) exposure and sensitisation constitutes, in genetically
predisposed children, the most important factor of
perennial allergic asthma and eczema. Also, milk can be easily excluded from diet to see the response.
So, I would recommend you to prevent your child's contact with dust mites and milk for next 6-8 weeks. Start him on a proper therapy such as pimecrolimus and moisturizing lotion at the same time. If the response is good then you may try desensitization by occasional milk intake and see the response. If he tolerates, then probably dust mites are the only reason for his allergic episodes.
In case, he doesn't improve then avoiding dog contact will be the next step. Hopefully this will be not needed as I understand that your pet must be a very important part of your family.
Hopefully it will be of help.
Take care
Eliminate dust mite and milk exposure completely as first step
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Mite allergen (pteronyssinus) exposure and sensitisation constitutes, in genetically
predisposed children, the most important factor of
perennial allergic asthma and eczema. Also, milk can be easily excluded from diet to see the response.
So, I would recommend you to prevent your child's contact with dust mites and milk for next 6-8 weeks. Start him on a proper therapy such as pimecrolimus and moisturizing lotion at the same time. If the response is good then you may try desensitization by occasional milk intake and see the response. If he tolerates, then probably dust mites are the only reason for his allergic episodes.
In case, he doesn't improve then avoiding dog contact will be the next step. Hopefully this will be not needed as I understand that your pet must be a very important part of your family.
Hopefully it will be of help.
Take care
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
