If your child has red, irritated skin that becomes often moist and oozing, they may have inherited a condition called eczema. 

Hi, I’m Dr. John Hellerstedt and this CHILDREN’S HEALTH MINUTE is presented by TexCare – connecting Texas families with children’s health insurance for 18 dollars a month or less.

Eczema affects about 10-to-12 percent of children. The condition usually appears in stages —first as a baby and later between the ages of 4 and 10.

Symptoms include dry, red skin and small bumps on the cheeks, forehead or scalp. Eczema may also present/show as a scaly rash in the bends of elbows, behind knees or on the backs of wrists and ankles.

Because children can cause infections by scratching, your child’s doctor may recommend topical creams or ointments and antihistamines to relieve the itching.

This CHILDREN’S HEALTH MINUTE is presented by TexCare —reminding you that no child should be without health insurance. Call 1-800-647-6558 to apply.