Baby's face blistered, skin oozing fluid from bathing with leaves to treat atopic dermatitis

At just one month old, baby T.D.N. (born in 2023, living in Kim Thanh district, Hai Duong province) showed symptoms of atopic dermatitis. Initially, the baby's cheeks were slightly red, dry, and scaly. Within a few weeks, the dermatitis worsened, spreading to the area behind the ears; the skin folds oozed fluid and formed scabs, and the child cried a lot.

The baby was taken to many doctors and given various herbal remedies and baths. At times, the condition improved, but whenever the weather was dry, the skin would peel more severely. The worst case was when the baby was 6 months old and developed an abscess in the eyelid.

Master, Doctor, and Member of the Vietnam Dermatology Association, Nguyen Tien Thanh, said that N. came to the clinic with red, flaky, 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 prescribed anti-inflammatory ointment to treat damaged skin areas showing signs of secondary infection; if the lesions were wet, oozing, or inflamed, low-energy laser treatment was used to help the wounds dry quickly.

Doctor Thanh examines a child with atopic dermatitis. (Photo: Provided by Doctor Thanh)

To restore the skin's protective barrier and reduce dryness, cracking, and itching, Dr. Thanh prescribed the regular use of intensive moisturizing cream. He also instructed the family on how to clean, moisturize, and protect the baby's skin, avoiding irritants such as chemicals, harsh soaps, excessively hot water, or plant leaves that can dry and irritate the skin. In particular, the family needed to take measures to control the child's scratching behavior.

"Atopic dermatitis requires long-term cooperation between doctors and families. Proper treatment not only reduces symptoms but also helps children and their families overcome psychological stress and improve their quality of life," Dr. Thanh emphasized.

Atopic dermatitis is a common chronic condition in infants and young children. Globally , approximately 20% of children under 2 years old suffer from this condition, with many severe cases significantly impacting their quality of life. While not life-threatening, it can lead to serious complications if not treated properly.

This is a condition related to immune and genetic factors, often heavily influenced by the living environment. In young children, cold, dry weather in the North is a major factor that exacerbates the condition. Furthermore, young children's skin is very fragile, and constant scratching opens the way for bacteria to enter, leading to infection.

Experts advise that atopic dermatitis in young children is easily overlooked or mistaken for other common dermatological problems. As soon as abnormal signs such as dry, scaly, or red and irritated skin are detected, parents should take their child to a dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis; self-treatment should be avoided. Using topical medications of unknown origin or applying folk remedies can worsen the condition and cause dangerous complications.

Nhu Loan

Source: https://vtcnews.vn/em-be-phong-rop-mat-da-chay-dich-vi-tam-la-chua-viem-da-co-dia-ar913587.html