Ask the Expert: What Causes Eczema to Resurface When My Kids Get Older?

Your child had eczema as a baby and toddler but seemed to outgrow it around age 5. Now that she is a teenager, the eczema is resurfacing. Dr. Phil Hemmers of the Allergy Center of Connecticut explains why eczema resurfaces in teens and how to treat it in older kids.

It is common for children to outgrow their eczema. Allergic diseases often follow a predictable progression named the “Atopic March.” A child with the wrong combination of allergic genes and environment is at risk. He or she may suffer with eczema and/or food allergies as a toddler. By elementary school these conditions often improve or resolve. Sadly, they are may be replaced by new environmental allergies and asthma.

For other children, eczema may return or persist. The eczema seen in teenagers and adults may look similar but there are key differences. The most obvious is location. Lesions now appear on the hands, wrists and around the eyes.

Food allergies no longer play an important role. Exacerbating factors now include stress, excessive sweating and hormones. Increased use of facial creams, cosmetics, perfumes and jewelry can cause skin irritation and contact allergy.