How to Care for Childhood Eczema

You can keep eczema flares under control by managing the things that set flares off. Dry skin is a major eczema trigger. Moisturize your child’s skin often. Ointments like petroleum jelly may trap moisture better than lotions. Baths can dry out skin, so use warm water, not hot. Then put a good moisturizer on while your child’s skin is still damp.

Your child may not have eczema forever. For many kids, the itchy patches start to go away at about school age. Others may have eczema into their teens and as adults, though. Sometimes, eczema seems to have vanished only to reappear during puberty. Changes in hormones may be to blame.

Scratching can make eczema worse and cause patches of skin to get thick. Avoid itchy fabrics like wool. Keep their nails trimmed short. If they tend to scratch in their sleep, give them light, comfortable gloves to wear to bed. A wet, cool washcloth on irritated spots can ease the urge to scratch.

Sweating can cause eczema to itch, too. Stick with light, breathable fabrics like cotton. Try light layers so it’s easy for them to stay comfortable when temperatures change. Keep your house cool, especially their bedroom. Use lightweight sheets and bedspreads, too.

Allergies and eczema often go hand in hand. Ask your doctor if your child should be tested for food or other allergies. Avoid triggers like pets, especially in your child’s bedroom. Wash sheets often in hot water, and use dust mite covers on mattresses and pillows. Go without carpet and drapes, if possible. They trap allergens.

Stress can cause itching and redness for kids with eczema. Help your child identify stressful situations, like a big test at school or public performance. Then talk about ways they can manage that stress. Some ideas: Take a few deep breaths, meditate, think of something else as a distraction, or take a break.

Your doctor may prescribe a cream or ointment with a corticosteroid in it. These should only be used with a prescription because the dosage is specific to your child. Don’t use this for more than the prescribed amount of time. It can make the skin thin if it’s used for too long. Only put the ointment on areas of skin that have eczema.

If your child has allergies, antihistamines can sometimes help ease itching. If your child’s rash is severe or infected, your doctor may prescribe other medicine, too. But remember: Preventive care can go a long way to keep eczema from getting worse.

Keep an eye out for signs of skin infection, like:

• Fever
• Redness
• Warmth around the affected areas of skin
• Bumps or blisters

Kids with eczema are more likely to get infected. If your child has a skin infection like herpes or a staph infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics for it.

Children with eczema may face teasing and embarrassment. And they may struggle with self-esteem. A support group or even a camp for kids with eczema and other skin conditions can be a great way to help your child make friends who understand what they're going through. The National Eczema Association has a patient conference and kids’ camp each summer.