You’ve likely read online that kids “outgrow” eczema (also called atopic dermatitis). While there is some truth to this claim, the reality is more nuanced than most parents realize. In fact, leaving eczema untreated can have profound impacts on your child’s physical, mental, and emotional health.

Is your child struggling with eczema? Waiting for this condition to go away on its own isn’t always the right approach. At Latitude Pediatric Dermatology, Dr. Don McConnell provides comprehensive eczema treatment for infants, kids, and teenagers in Alberta. Keep reading to learn more about how our clinic can help.

Can You Outgrow Eczema?

Some research shows that eczema symptoms can improve as children get older and that flare-ups become less frequent and/or less severe over time. For example, a 2016 study found that approximately 80% of its participants did not experience the symptoms of atopic dermatitis (AD) into adulthood.

But here’s where things get complicated: Eczema is a chronic condition with no cure. While it can go away over time, this isn’t the case for everyone. Some children with more severe cases might deal with various symptoms their whole life and require a consistent treatment plan. Even for minor cases that “disappear” or calm down over time, flare-ups can still happen. 

What Can Happen If Eczema is Left Untreated?

Untreated eczema can affect children in both the short term and the long term. In the short term, ongoing inflammation and scratching can damage the skin barrier, making the skin more vulnerable to irritation and infection. Over time, eczema may also be linked with other atopic conditions such as allergies and asthma. Beyond the physical symptoms, poorly controlled eczema can also affect mental and emotional well-being, particularly when itching, flare-ups, and sleep disruption begin to interfere with a child’s comfort, confidence, and day-to-day life.

How Pediatric Dermatology Services Can Help

While some children may outgrow eczema, that does not mean families should simply wait for this condition to improve on its own. For families looking for more specialized eczema management, a pediatric dermatology provider can help. These providers focus specifically on skin conditions in children and teens, which means they can often offer a more nuanced assessment, more up-to-date treatment recommendations, and a care plan tailored to the realities of childhood eczema. 

Eczema Treatment in Edmonton, AB

Managing your child’s eczema can be challenging, especially when dealing with persistent symptoms, frequent flare-ups, and treatment plans that don’t seem to stick. 

Don’t navigate these challenges alone. At Latitude Pediatric Dermatology, Dr. Don McConnell is committed to providing quality medical care for all pediatric skin conditions, including atopic dermatitis (eczema), acne, hyperhidrosis, and more. We support families across Alberta with clear education, practical treatment guidance, and individualized care plans. 

If you are concerned about your child’s eczema, request a referral to Latitude Pediatric Dermatology from your family doctor or primary care provider. Looking for more information about the referral process? Review resources available on our website or call our clinic to speak with our team. We are here to support you and your child every step of the way.