It’s easy to think of eczema as a single condition that looks the same for everyone. But in reality, eczema can appear and behave quite differently depending on your age. From infants with itchy cheeks to adults with persistent hand eczema, understanding these differences is key to effective treatment and long-term comfort.
At Peach Dermatology in Suwanee, GA, and nearby areas including Duluth, Sugar Hill, Buford, and Johns Creek, our board-certified dermatologists specialize in caring for both children and adults living with eczema. We help patients identify triggers, tailor treatment plans, and build daily routines that support clear, calm skin. Whether you're managing childhood eczema or ongoing adult flare-ups, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Let’s look at how eczema varies across different ages and what you can do to protect and strengthen your skin at any stage of life.
How Symptoms Vary Between Kids and Adults
Childhood eczema often appears in infancy or early childhood. In babies, eczema typically shows up on the scalp, cheeks, or outer limbs. As children grow, the condition may move to the inside of the elbows, backs of the knees, neck, or wrists.
Common symptoms in children include:
- Dry, red, scaly patches
- Itching that may disturb sleep
- Oozing or crusting in scratched areas
- Skin thickening from repeated scratching over time
In contrast, eczema in adults tends to be more chronic and stubborn. Flare-ups may occur on the hands, eyelids, or around the mouth, and adults often experience:
- Thickened, dry, or leathery skin
- Darker pigmentation or discoloration in affected areas
- Persistent itching that’s harder to control
- More pronounced skin sensitivity due to a damaged skin barrier
Because adult skin is less resilient than children's, healing can take longer, and the risk of complications like secondary infections may be higher.
Common Triggers for Childhood Eczema
Eczema in children is often linked to both genetics and environmental factors. Children with a family history of atopic conditions (such as asthma, eczema, or hay fever) are more likely to develop childhood eczema.
Typical triggers in children include:
- Heat and sweating
- Certain fabrics (like wool or synthetic materials)
- Food allergies (milk, eggs, nuts, soy)
- Harsh soaps or bubble baths
- Dust mites or pet dander
- Teething or illness, which can lower immunity
At Peach Dermatology, our dermatologists work with families to help identify potential triggers and build kid-friendly routines that support healing.
Managing Persistent Eczema in Adults
Adult eczema may have started in childhood and persisted, or it may develop later in life, especially in people with sensitive skin or immune system changes.
For adults, triggers often include:
- Stress or lack of sleep
- Exposure to irritants at work (chemicals, latex, frequent handwashing)
- Cold, dry air or sudden temperature shifts
- Hormonal changes (such as menopause)
Adults may also be more prone to contact dermatitis, a form of eczema caused by repeated exposure to irritants or allergens over time. Because adult skin is slower to regenerate, flare-ups can be longer-lasting and more disruptive to daily life.
Recommended Treatments for Kids vs. Adults
Atopic dermatitis treatments must be tailored to the patient’s age, severity of symptoms, and overall health.
For children, treatment may include:
- Gentle, fragrance-free emollients are applied multiple times daily
- Short-term use of mild prescription topical steroids or non-steroidal creams
- Wet wrap therapy to calm inflamed skin
- Allergen testing, if food or environmental allergies are suspected
For adults:
- Stronger topical corticosteroids or calcineurin inhibitors
- Oral antihistamines to control the itch
- Oral immunosuppressive medications in severe cases
- Prescription creams for eyelid eczema or hand dermatitis
- Lifestyle counseling to address workplace or stress-related triggers
Whether you’re managing childhood eczema or adult eczema, it’s essential to follow a plan built around your skin type and flare-up pattern.
Home Remedies to Support Medical Therapy
While medical treatment is essential for moderate or severe eczema, home care also plays a major role in soothing symptoms and supporting your skin barrier.
Tips for both kids and adults:
- Use a humidifier during dry months to prevent skin from drying out
- Avoid known irritants such as fragrances, dyes, and rough fabrics
- Apply a thick moisturizer immediately after bathing
- Use lukewarm, not hot, water for showers and baths
- Clip nails short and avoid scratching to reduce skin damage
In children, consider soft mittens at bedtime to prevent nighttime scratching.
How Peach Dermatology Can Help
At Peach Dermatology, we care for both pediatric and adult patients with eczema. Our board-certified dermatologists are experienced in diagnosing different types of eczema across all age groups, and we build personalized care plans that address what matters most to you or your child.
We offer:
- Thorough evaluations to differentiate eczema from other rashes
- Customized treatments for eczema in children and adults
- Patch testing to identify potential allergens
- Ongoing support to adjust plans as your (or your child’s) skin needs change
If you’re looking for expert care for eczema in Suwanee or the greater Atlanta area, our team is here to help you feel confident in your skin again.
Start Healing with Peach Dermatology
Whether you're managing childhood eczema or adult flare-ups, getting the right diagnosis and treatment can make all the difference. Peach Dermatology offers trusted care tailored to your age, lifestyle, and skin needs.
Ready to calm the itch and care for your skin at every stage of life? Call us at 770-676-2200 or request an appointment online. Our Suwanee team is here to help your skin feel better and look better with every visit.
