Children with the skin condition eczema often have trouble sleeping. Now, a new study suggests that over-the-counter melatonin might alleviate their sleep problem. Eczema symptoms include itchy, red, and dry skin caused by inflammation. It’s most commonly found in children, although adults can get it. It is also called atopic dermatitis.
It affects as many as 30% of all kids, more than half of whom experience sleep difficulties, the researchers said. It is treated with oral medications, steroid creams, and light therapy. But it is difficult to treat the sleep disorder associated with it. In most of the cases, antihistamines stop working in a few days and treating with tranquilizers have profound side effects. A recent study found melatonin, a natural hormone generated from the pineal gland, can be a safe and effective medication for helping children with atopic dermatitis fall asleep…
