<s>[INST] What are the causes of eczema development in babies and children? [/INST] Understanding the factors that contribute to the development of paediatric eczema in infants and children is crucial, and it's a topic I regularly discuss with parents in my clinic. Several factors play a role in this condition.

Firstly, genetics are significant. Often, when I encounter a child with eczema, one of their parents has experienced hay fever at some point in their life. Hay-fever is frequently associated with eczema in children.

However, if one or both parents have eczema themselves, the risk of their child developing eczema is even higher. This is because certain proteins, such as the Filaggrin protein, play a vital role in maintaining the skin barrier. They act as the adhesive between skin cells in the outer layer, ensuring that the skin remains resilient, retains moisture, and is safeguarded against irritants and allergens.

Having a mutation in the gene responsible for Filaggrin or other skin barrier proteins leads to a deficiency of these proteins in the skin. As a consequence, individuals with such mutations often experience dry skin. This occurs because the skin becomes highly permeable, causing water loss.

Additionally, the weakened skin barrier allows various environmental factors to penetrate and irritate the skin. Examples of these irritants include wool or synthetic clothing, high temperatures, detergents, and bubble bath. Even the products used to cleanse the child can further compromise the integrity of the skin barrier. Prescribed creams for children may have a high pH, which can damage the skin barrier.

Consequently, these environmental factors contribute to the disruption of the skin barrier. In the case of children with eczema, their skin is more susceptible to colonisation by bacteria and other pathogens. This susceptibility arises from both the compromised skin barrier and the lack of certain proteins in their skin that normally combat bacteria, fungi, and viruses.

When I examine children with eczema in my clinic, I always check for any signs of itchiness, inflammation, or potential infection in the skin. This information is crucial for determining the appropriate eczema management approach for children. Source: CHILDRENS ALLERGY DOCTORS. Link: https://childrensallergydoctors.com/eczema-faq/. Field: Dermatology. Disease: Eczema </s>