At just 1 month old, baby T.D.N. (born in 2023, living in Kim Thanh district, Hai Duong province) showed signs of atopic dermatitis. Initially, the baby's cheeks were slightly red, dry, and scaly. Within a few weeks, the dermatitis became worse, spreading to the area behind the ears; the folds of the body oozed fluid, formed scabs, and the baby cried a lot.
The family took the baby to many places for examination, applied medicine, and bathed him with various leaves. There were times when the disease subsided, but whenever the weather was dry, the skin peeled more severely. The peak was when the baby was 6 months old, he had an abscess on his eyelid.
Master, Doctor, Doctor Nguyen Tien Thanh, member of the Vietnam Dermatology Association, said that N. came to the clinic with red, flaky, dry, cracked skin lesions, some areas oozing fluid and forming red, swollen scabs (signs of secondary infection). The cause was the child's allergic constitution, dry weather, inappropriate care (bathing with leaves), and the child's uncontrolled scratching habit.
The doctor will prescribe anti-inflammatory topical medications to treat damaged skin areas showing signs of secondary infection; if the injury is wet, oozing fluid, or infected, combine low-energy laser therapy to help the wound dry quickly.
Doctor Thanh checks the health of a child with atopic dermatitis. (Photo: BSCC)
To restore the skin's protective barrier and reduce dryness and itching, Dr. Thanh recommends regular use of a specialized moisturizer. He also instructs families on how to clean, moisturize, and protect their baby's skin, avoiding irritants such as chemicals, strong soaps, water that is too hot, or leaves that cause dry, irritated skin. In particular, families need to take measures to control their baby's scratching behavior.
"Atopic dermatitis requires long-term cooperation between doctors and families. Proper treatment not only reduces symptoms but also helps children and families overcome psychological pressures and improve quality of life," Dr. Thanh emphasized.
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic disease that is common in infants and young children. Worldwide, about 20% of children under 2 years old suffer from this disease, many of which are severe and have a major impact on quality of life. The disease is not life-threatening but can cause serious complications if not treated properly.
This is a disease related to immune and genetic factors, often greatly affected by the living environment. In young children, the cold, dry weather in the North is the main factor that makes the disease worse. In addition, young children's skin is very vulnerable, continuous scratching opens the way for bacteria to enter, leading to infection.
Experts warn that atopic dermatitis in children is easily overlooked or confused with other common dermatological problems. As soon as unusual signs such as dry, flaky or red skin are detected, parents should take their children to a dermatologist early for an accurate diagnosis; absolutely do not self-treat. Using topical medications of unknown origin or applying folk remedies can make the condition worse, causing dangerous complications.
Source: https://vtcnews.vn/em-be-phong-rop-mat-da-chay-dich-vi-tam-la-chua-viem-da-co-dia-ar913587.html
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