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Asthma/Is Eczema related to Asthma?

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Expert: - 1/14/2009


Question
My 8 year old son has a lump on the back of his head. The doctor said that because he is an asthma patient, that they develop eczema. It looks as though it is getting bigger. He scratches at it all day, and I put some cream that was prescribed on it, but its not working. Could it be something else?

Answer
Hi JaMia,

Yes, but let me clarify. It is more likely psoriasis, which is best determined by a pediatric dermatologist ( I know this, because I went through this with my daughter. She had, and still has at 21, a scaly patch at the base of her hairline on the back of her head.It is under control, but not gone.) There are special shampoos and treatments that have been upgraded in recent years, another reason to see a specialist. If you live in a city with a children's hospital, that would be the place to go. The specialist we saw stated  that general dermatologists sometimes miss the differences in how these conditions present themselves in children versus adults.

Hope this helps you.

Sincerely,

Marc

Asthma

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Marc Rubin, RPh Asthma Educator

Expertise

I have worked directly with patients as well as caregivers for over 30 years. Have made presentations throughout Illinois educating school nurses as well as the teaching and coaching staff of public schools about asthma, and how they should respond to these students needs. Presented a public education program on asthma through the US Department of Public Health. Specialize in helping guide asthmatic patients to take control of their disease in order to live a near-normal, fully active life.

Experience

Practicing pharmacist for 34 years, specializing in asthma for past 7 years. Statewide education to nurses, teachers and athletic coaches regarding asthma. In addition, and closer to home. my wife and daughter both have asthma, and my son has exercise induced bronchospasm. I'm also on the advisory board of a medical education company, Emmi Solutions, and directly involved in the creation of public education programs for asthma, COPD and diabetes.

Organizations
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) / Sports Medicine Committee, American Thoracic Society (ATS). Chicago Asthma Consortium / Professional Development Committee, Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago: Development Committee for AE-C prep class, and presenter.

Publications
AAAAI PowerPoint on the new guidelines for EIB (Exercise Induced Bronchospasm)

Education/Credentials
BScPharm, RPh, AE-C (NAECB Certified asthma educator), NIPCO Certified Respiratory Care Pharmacist

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