What are the symptoms of奶藓 (milk crust) and eczema respectively?

Jul 13, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

My child has developed many red spots on their body, and I'm not sure whether it's milk crust (seborrheic dermatitis) or eczema. What are the symptoms of milk crust and eczema respectively?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Wang Xiaoyan
Milk eczema and eczema are common skin conditions in infants and young children, each with distinct characteristics. Milk eczema, referred to as "milk eczema" or "tai lian chuang" in traditional Chinese medicine, is a type of infantile eczema commonly seen in overweight infants. It typically begins during the second or third month after birth. The main symptoms include scattered papules and erythematous patches on the face; severe cases may present with erosion, exudation, accompanied by paroxysmal intense pruritus, and it tends to recur easily. Milk eczema is classified into dry and wet types: the dry type is primarily associated with excessive wind-heat, while the wet type is mainly associated with excessive damp-heat. Eczema, on the other hand, is a more general skin disorder not limited to infants and young children. Its symptoms include skin itching, dryness, scaling, and exudation. Eczema can be classified into three types according to the disease course: acute, subacute, and chronic. Acute eczema presents as dense papules, papulovesicles, or small blisters; scratching may lead to exudation and erosion. Subacute eczema manifests as small papules, crusts, and scales. Chronic eczema is characterized by thickened, infiltrated skin accompanied by intense pruritus.