Eczema is a common, itchy skin condition in kids. The skin barrier is sensitive and dries out easily, leading to redness and itch. Good routines calm flares and prevent new ones.
How it looks
- Dry, rough, itchy patches. In babies: cheeks, scalp, trunk. In older kids: elbow/knee folds, wrists, ankles, hands.
- Scratching can lead to open areas and infection.
Everyday care routine (the “Soak and Seal” basics)
- Bathing
- Daily or every other day, 5–10 minutes in lukewarm water.
- Mild, fragrance-free cleanser only on dirty/smelly areas; no bubble baths.
- Pat skin damp—don’t rub.
- Moisturizing (within 3 minutes of bath)
- Apply a thick, fragrance-free cream or ointment head to toe (ceramides, petrolatum, shea, glycerin, urea for older kids).
- Reapply to itchy areas at least twice daily and before bed.
- Itch control
- Keep nails short; use cotton pajamas and mittens for babies.
- Cool compresses for hot, itchy areas.
- For nighttime itch, ask your clinician about an age-appropriate antihistamine.
- Trigger management
- Fragrance-free laundry detergent; skip fabric softeners.
- Dress in soft cotton; avoid wool/rough fabrics.
- Rinse sweat off after sports; moisturize again.
- Identify triggers (sweat/heat, saliva on faces, certain soaps). Food triggers are less common—don’t restrict diets without medical advice.
Treating flares
- Use prescribed steroid creams/ointments for red, inflamed spots:
- Thin layer 1–2 times daily until clear (usually 5–14 days).
- Potency depends on body area and age; milder on face and skin folds.
- Non-steroid options (tacrolimus/pimecrolimus, crisaborole) can be used on sensitive areas or for maintenance.
- Wet wraps for tough flares: after applying medicine and moisturizer, wrap damp then dry layers for 1–2 hours or overnight (clinician guidance recommended).
Preventing infections
- Watch for increasing redness, yellow crust, pus, or pain—could be bacterial infection.
- Kids with frequent infections may benefit from bleach baths (1/4–1/2 cup household bleach in a full standard tub, soak 10 minutes 1–2 times weekly; rinse and moisturize)—ask your clinician first.
- Treat visible impetigo with prescribed antibiotics when needed.
School and daily life
- Provide teachers/caregivers with your child’s care plan.
- Moisturizer available at school; allow extra water breaks in hot weather.
- Encourage play and swimming—rinse and moisturize after.
When to see a clinician
- Flares not responding to proper home routine within 1–2 weeks.
- Signs of infection.
- Sleep or school activities affected by itch.
- Consider allergy evaluation if eczema is severe and persistent or if there are other allergic conditions (food allergy, asthma, allergic rhinitis).
Long-term outlook
- Many children improve with age.
- Staying consistent with moisturizers and smart flare treatment keeps skin comfortable and reduces the need for stronger medicines.