Understanding Treatment Resistant Eczema: When Standard Treatments Aren’t Enough

Treatment Resistant Eczema

Eczema is a common childhood skin condition characterised by dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. While many cases of eczema respond well to standard treatments like topical corticosteroids and emollients, some children experience a more challenging form of the condition known as ‘treatment resistant eczema’. This type of eczema does not respond adequately to first line treatments and requires a deeper exploration into underlying causes and more intensive management strategies.

What Is Treatment Resistant Eczema?

Treatment resistant eczema refers to cases where the standard therapies fail to provide sufficient relief. This can be incredibly frustrating for both the child and their caregivers, as the usual methods to soothe and heal the skin seem ineffective. When eczema becomes chronic and unresponsive to treatment, it often points to more complex issues at play. These can include genetic predispositions, microbial imbalances, or environmental factors that exacerbate the condition.

Why Does Eczema Become Resistant to Treatment?

In many cases, treatment resistant eczema is not due to a single factor but rather a combination of issues that must be addressed concurrently. There are some common reasons why eczema might become resistant to standard treatments:

Genetic Factors: Some children may have genetic mutations that affect their skin barrier function or immune response, making their eczema more difficult to manage.

Microbial Imbalances: The skin of children with eczema is often colonised by harmful bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, which can worsen inflammation and impede healing.

Environmental Triggers: Exposure to allergens, irritants, or environmental pollutants can exacerbate eczema and make it harder to control.

The Importance of a Comprehensive Approach

When dealing with treatment resistant eczema, it’s essential to take a comprehensive approach that goes beyond just treating the symptoms. This involves identifying and addressing all the factors that could be contributing to the persistence of the condition.

Detailed Assessment for Effective Eczema Management: A thorough assessment of the child’s medical history, family history, and environmental exposures is crucial. This can help identify potential triggers and underlying causes that need to be addressed.

Tailored Treatment Plans for Resistant Eczema: Treatment resistant eczema often requires a combination of therapies, including personalised topical treatments, oral supplements, and lifestyle modifications. Natural therapies can include topical treatments, personalised nutritional supplementation and correct identification of irritants.

Ongoing Monitoring and Adjustments: Managing treatment resistant eczema often requires ongoing monitoring and adjustments based on how the skin responds as children grow. Hormone fluctuations can influence skin health throughout puberty, and fluctuations in temperature and humidity can impact skin health during seasonal weather changes. Even stress can compromise skin health and trigger eczema flares. 

When to Seek Specialised Care for Eczema

If your child’s eczema is not responding to over-the-counter or prescribed treatments, it may be time to consider a holistic approach to identifying potential causes and triggers. A children’s health naturopath with experience in paediatric dermatology can offer more natural treatment options and help to develop a tailored management plan.

Managing Treatment Resistant Eczema Effectively

Treatment resistant eczema can be a challenging and persistent condition, but understanding the potential underlying causes is the first step towards effective management. By taking a comprehensive and tailored approach, it is possible to improve the quality of life for children suffering from this form of eczema. If your child’s eczema is proving difficult to manage, consider booking a discovery call to discuss your options for natural treatment avenues.

– Ash Yates, Children’s Health Naturopath

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