Developing thick skin: The negative impacts of pediatric eczema and FDA labeling regulations of cosmetic products.

Eczema is an allergic skin condition typically identified during early childhood. The impact of systemic racism exacerbates the negative consequences of having eczema, placing Black children at a significant disadvantage in accessing quality medical care in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment. Home management of eczema requires appropriate use of topical lotions, shampoos and detergents; therefore, evaluation of cosmetic product contents is clinically important. Managing pediatric eczema requires a high degree of consumer awareness about product ingredients and composition. Due to the impact of systemic racism on health consumers at all levels, navigating the complexity of cosmetic products may be more difficult for families with dark skinned children. Greater caregiver education, consumer awareness and medical guidance regarding the effects of eczema on dark skinned children is needed, however, there is limited data regarding the prevalence, exacerbations, and persistence in this specific vulnerable group of children. Cosmetic products labeled and marketed as eczema treatments, may contain known allergens that exacerbate eczema, increase the length and severity of flares. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for regulating cosmetics. The recent passage of new legislation has given the FDA some effective tools to begin directly influencing industry practices to the benefit of children with eczema using over the counter (OTC) skincare products. Continued efforts to identify and exclude common allergens from cosmetic products marketed as eczema treatments are needed to provide pediatric eczema patients in general and especially darker skinned eczema sufferers, with desired relief and probably protection from potential adverse effects.