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Expert Q&A
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| By David L. Fay, M.D. Family Physician Associate Director, Waukesha Family Practice Residency Program | ||
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My 3-year-old gets dry patches on his legs. What can I do?
Dry patches of skin in this age group are most likely due to atopic dermatitis. This is a form of eczema, and is caused by the body's immune system response to various problems, among them allergies. In most children with atopic dermatitis there is a family history of atopic dermatitis and/or asthma. The problem tends to be worse in the winter and summer, and when children are stressed physically (illness) or emotionally. Since the primary problem is dry skin, the first treatment is moisturization, several times per day. In certain instances, topical steroids may be necessary. Most children will "grow out" of this as childhood progresses, but it frequently returns as eczema after puberty or in adulthood.
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