What Is Eczema?

Eczema is a broad term for skin inflammation that leads to dryness, itchiness, and rash. In children, the most common type of eczema is atopic dermatitis, which is a chronic (long-lasting) condition where the skin’s protective barrier doesn’t work well. This makes the skin dry out easily and become irritated.

When the fluid is lost from the skin, this is just like how mud cracks when it dries out. This secondary cracking makes your child’s skin more sensitive to allergens as they get deeper into the skin than they otherwise would have

 Eczema tends to flare up (get worse) at times and then go into periods of improvement or remission. It can be frustrating for both kids and parents, but it’s manageable with the right care. 

Common Types of Childhood Eczema

Several forms of eczema can affect children. Here are the most common types seen in kids:

• Atopic Dermatitis (Atopic Eczema): By far the most common type in children. It often runs in families with allergies or asthma. Kids with atopic dermatitis have sensitive, dry skin that gets itchy and inflamed due to a weak skin barrier. This guide mainly focuses on atopic dermatitis.
  
  
• Contact Dermatitis: Skin irritation or allergy caused by direct contact with a trigger substance. Examples include irritant contact dermatitis (like a rash from harsh soaps or saliva drool) and allergic contact dermatitis (like a rash from nickel in jewelry or certain detergents). Avoiding the trigger and using medications to calm the skin can help.
  
  
• Nummular Eczema: Also called discoid eczema, it causes coin-shaped patches of red, itchy, dry skin. This form is less common in young kids (usually appears in later childhood or teen years). It may be confused with ringworm or other rashes, so a doctor should evaluate round eczema patches.
  
  
• Dyshidrotic Eczema: Tiny itchy blisters on the hands or feet. This type is uncommon in young children (more often seen in teens or adults). It can flare with sweating or stress.
  
  

Each type of eczema has its own triggers and treatment nuances, but they all cause an impaired skin barrier and inflammation. Atopic dermatitis is the focus for most children with eczema.

Causes and Contributing Factors

Eczema arises from a mix of genetic and environmental factors. Essentially, a child’s skin with eczema doesn’t hold moisture in or keep irritants out as well as it should. Key contributing factors include:

• Skin Barrier Genetics: Many children with eczema have a mutation in a skin protein called filaggrin, which leads to a weaker skin barrier. If the skin barrier is “leaky,” skin loses water and gets dry/cracked, and germs or irritants can get in more easily.
  
  
• Family History and Atopy: Eczema often runs in families. Children who have eczema may have family members with eczema, asthma, or hay fever (allergic rhinitis). These conditions are part of the “atopic” triad. Kids with eczema also have a higher chance of developing food allergies or asthma, though not every child will.
  
  
• Overactive Immune Response: In eczema, the immune system in the skin overreacts to small irritants or allergens, causing inflammation. Triggers like certain soaps or dust might be harmless to other children but can lead to an immune response in a child with eczema, resulting in an itchy, red flare-up.
  
  
• Environment and Irritants: Dry climate or dry indoor heating can parch the skin. Exposure to irritants like harsh soaps, detergents, fragrances, cigarette smoke, or rough fabrics (wool) can provoke eczema flares. Overheating and sweat on the skin can also worsen itching and rash.
  
  
• Allergens: Some children’s eczema flares up when they are around environmental allergens like dust mites, pollen, pet dander, or mold. These allergens don’t cause eczema by themselves, but in a child who already has eczema, they can trigger the immune system and worsen a rash. Food allergies sometimes contribute to eczema flares as well – for example, a child allergic to peanuts might get hives and worsening eczema after eating peanuts. However, foods themselves do not cause a child to develop eczema in the first place. If a food allergy is suspected, consult a doctor rather than empirically avoiding foods. There is evidence that in general avoiding food groups without good reason tends to do more harm than good.
  
  
• Other Factors: Stress or strong emotions can make eczema worse, possibly by releasing hormones and immune signals that increase inflammation. Hormonal changes (for instance, during puberty) may trigger flares. And if the skin gets a mild infection (like overgrowth of bacteria or yeast), it can fuel an eczema flare as well.
  
  

Signs and Symptoms by Age Group

Eczema can look different depending on a child’s age. Here’s how it commonly appears in infants, toddlers, and young children:

Note: Every child is unique – eczema can appear in other areas too. The above are common patterns. The intense itch (which may come and go) is a hallmark at all ages. Scratching can make the rash look raw or cause small bumps, oozing, or crusts if infection sets in. Parents often find that nighttime itchiness is a big problem, as it can disrupt the child’s sleep.

Triggers and Flare-Up Patterns

Many parents notice that certain things trigger their child’s eczema or make it worse. Common eczema triggers include:

• Dryness: When the skin gets too dry (for example, during low-humidity winter weather or from indoor heating), the protective barrier weakens. This often leads to flare-ups of rash on already sensitive skin.
  
  
• Heat and Sweat: Overheating a child (over-bundling in blankets or hot pajamas) or heavy sweating from play can trigger the “itch-scratch” cycle. Sweat can sting irritated skin and cause redness. Many families find eczema is worse in the hot summer (due to sweat) or in winter (due to dry air).
  
  
• Irritating Products: Harsh soaps, bubble baths, shampoos, detergents, disinfectants, perfumes, and dyes can all irritate eczema-prone skin. These products strip natural oils which then exacerbates water loss, or leave chemicals that inflame the skin. Even scented baby wipes or disposable diaper materials can irritate some babies’ skin.
  
  
• Fabrics: Wool and rough fabrics are notorious for triggering itch. Polyester or other synthetic fabrics can trap heat and sweat. Soft, breathable fabrics like cotton are much kinder to eczema skin.
  
  
• Allergens: As mentioned, dust mite exposure (e.g., in bedding), animal dander (pets), pollens, and molds can lead to flares in children with those allergies. Allergens in the air or environment may not cause immediate hives, but they can worsen the underlying eczema inflammation.
  
  
• Saliva and Foods on Skin: In babies, drooling can cause an eczema rash around the mouth or on the chin. Certain acidic foods (like tomato sauce or citrus) smeared on the face during mealtime can also irritate the skin – this is more of a direct irritation than a true allergy.
  
  
• Stress and Illness: Emotional stress (even in a young child) or significant anxiety can trigger a flare. Also, when kids are sick with a cold or other illness, their eczema might worsen temporarily. Eczema has a way of flaring when the body is under stress.
  
  
• Infections: If the skin has even a mild bacterial infection (often from scratching open the skin), the eczema can suddenly flare up and look worse. Signs of infection include increased redness, warmth, pus or yellow crusts on the eczema patches. Viral infections (like molluscum contagiosum or even cold sores in a condition called eczema herpeticum) can also trigger or complicate eczema. It is also very common that I see molluscum contagiosum [*****LINK TO MY MOLLUSCUM PAGE] and warts [*****LINK TO MY wart PAGE]worst in eczema prone skin, as the breaks in the skin integrity make spread of the virus much easier.
  
  

Every child has their own set of triggers. One child’s eczema might flare from playing in the grass, while another might flare from a night at Grandma’s with a different laundry detergent. It’s helpful to observe patterns – when a flare happens, consider what exposures or activities preceded it. Keeping a journal can help identify triggers over time. Remember that eczema naturally fluctuates, so some flares will happen even when you’re doing everything “right.” The goal is to minimize triggers we can control (like avoiding irritants and keeping skin moisturized) to reduce the frequency and severity of flare-ups.

Treatment Options: How Do We Manage Eczema?

Although there is no permanent cure for eczema, there are many effective treatments to control symptoms and help the skin heal. Eczema treatment has several pieces, including medical treatments (medications), home skin care routines, and lifestyle changes. A good eczema management plan usually combines multiple approaches. The main goals are to repair and protect the skin barrier, reduce itching, calm inflammation, and prevent infection. Below we detail the options in each category.

The most important treatment is to get the skincare regime right at home – remember every bit of home effort done minimises the medical treatments that need to be given!

Daily Skincare Routine

Daily skincare is the foundation of eczema management. Gentle care can significantly improve the skin barrier and reduce flare-ups. Here are key home care steps:

• Bathing: A regular bathing routine helps hydrate the skin if done properly. I recommend bathing once daily (or every other day) in warm (not hot) water for about 5–10 minutes. Bathing helps by adding moisture to the skin and cleaning off sweat, dirt, and potential allergens. Tips for eczema baths:
  
  
  • Use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser (non-soap wash) only on dirty areas – such as the hands, feet, face, and groin. You don’t need to soap the entire body, and avoid bubble baths or harsh soaps which can strip oils.
    
    
  • Do not scrub the skin with rough washcloths or loofahs. Just use your hand or a soft cloth to gently cleanse. Scrubbing can irritate sensitive skin.
    
    
  • For babies with cradle cap or stubborn scalp scales, an exception can be to gently massage the scalp with a soft brush or terry cloth while washing, but be gentle.
    
    
  • You can add certain things to the bath for extra soothing: colloidal oatmeal (finely ground oatmeal, available in packets like Aveeno) can calm itching – sprinkle into the tub and swish the water. (Careful, oatmeal can make the tub slippery.) For more severe eczema I may recommend bleach baths (see Infection Management below) with or without the bleach.
    
    
  • After bathing: promptly pat the child’s skin mostly dry (leave it slightly damp) within a few minutes. Do not rub the skin with a towel – this hurts the skin. Do not fully air-dry, as that leads to more drying. Immediately proceed to moisturize (the “soak and seal” method).
    
    
• Moisturizing (Emollients): After every bath or shower, and at least twice daily, coat the skin with a moisturizer to lock in hydration. Apply it within 3 minutes of getting out of the bath, while skin is still a bit damp – this maximizes moisture retention. Use a thick bland moisturizer:
  
  
  • Best choices: Ointments like petroleum jelly (Vaseline) or thick fragrance-free creams. These have high oil content to seal moisture. Lotions are usually too thin and often contain more water and alcohol – not as effective for eczema. I know sometimes vaseline can be a pain as it is too thick. If everything is under control – thinner, easier moisturisers like QV or dermeze are fine, but just remember the less thick the moisturiser the less effective it is.
    
    
  • Cover the whole body (not just rashy areas) since eczema-prone kids have generally dry skin everywhere. Regular moisturizing even when the rash is clear is essential to prevent new flares.
    
    
  • If needed, you can reapply moisturizer to dry areas throughout the day. For example, if your child’s hands are dry and rashy, reapply cream after each handwashing.
    
    
• Itch Relief and Scratch Prevention: Eczema itch can be severe and scratching worsens the rash (the “itch-scratch” cycle). The more a child scratches irritated skin, the more irritated the skin becomes. It then also thickens, this causes more itch which repeats the cycle. It is so important to break this cycle!

 Some home measures to reduce itching:

• Keep nails trimmed short and filed smooth to minimize damage from scratching. For babies, you can use cotton mittens or socks over hands to prevent scratching, especially at night.
  
  
• Use cold to calm itch: a cool wet washcloth or an ice pack (wrapped in a cloth) applied to very itchy spots can provide quick relief. Even a cool blast of air from a fan can temporarily relieve itch.
  
  
• Distraction and behavioral techniques: For older kids, encourage patting or pressing on itchy skin instead of scratching. Teach that scratching provides only short relief but makes the rash worse. Engaging them in a toy or story during itch attacks can sometimes get them through the wave of itchiness.
  
  
• Wet wrap therapy: For severe itching or during bad flares, wet wrap can soothe and deeply moisturize the skin. To do a wet wrap at home:
  
  
  1. After bathing in warm water, apply your child’s medication (e.g., steroid cream) to the eczema patches, and moisturizer to the rest of the skin.
     
     
  2. Take a pair of clean cotton pajamas (or long socks/tubular bandages for limb areas) and wet them in warm water. Wring them out so they are damp, not dripping.
     
     
  3. Dress your child in the damp layer, then put a dry layer of pajamas or clothing on top to keep them warm. Leave the wet wraps on for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight if the child tolerates it.
     
     
  4. The damp wraps help the skin absorb the medication and moisturizer better and can dramatically reduce redness and itch. After removing the wraps, apply another layer of moisturizer. Wet wraps are especially useful for acute flares. Make sure the room is warm and the child is comfortable during the process.
     
     

• Clothing and Laundry: Dress your child in soft, breathable fabrics. Cotton is ideal; bamboo and silk are also gentle. Avoid itchy wool or rough fabrics directly on the skin. Layering is helpful – you can remove layers if the child gets hot to prevent sweating. At night, choose light, soft pajamas and use breathable bedding.
  
  
  • Wash new clothing before wear to remove any finishing chemicals.
    
    
  • Use a mild, fragrance-free detergent for laundry. Avoid fabric softeners and dryer sheets, as these often have perfumes and can leave a residue that irritates skin. Instead, you can use white vinegar in the rinse cycle as a natural fabric softener (it won’t leave a smell).
    
    
  • Ensure clothing is not too tight or abrasive at eczema sites – e.g., avoid scratchy tags or seams in areas where your child’s eczema is active.
    
    

By following a consistent bathing and moisturizing routine and making these skin-friendly adjustments, you create a strong foundation for managing eczema. Even when the skin is clear, continue the gentle skin care daily – this maintenance can prevent relapses and keep the skin healthier long-term.

Lifestyle and Environment Modifications

Beyond direct skin care, consider changes in your child’s environment and daily habits to minimize eczema triggers:

• Temperature and Humidity: Try to keep your home environment comfortably cool and not too dry. Overheating can worsen itching – so in winter, don’t over-bundle the child indoors (dress in layers you can peel off). In summer, use fans or air conditioning to prevent excessive sweating. If indoor air is very dry (common in heated homes in winter), use a humidifier in the child’s bedroom to maintain moisture in the air. Aim for moderate humidity (~50%). Be sure to clean humidifiers regularly to prevent mould.
  
  
• Avoid Smoke and Irritants: No smoking near the child or in the house/car – tobacco smoke is a known eczema trigger. Also avoid use of air fresheners, strong cleaning chemicals, or incense – these airborne irritants can settle on the skin or be breathed in, provoking eczema in sensitive kids.
  
  
• Pet Dander and Dust: If pets are a trigger (some kids are allergic to cats/dogs), try to keep pets out of the child’s bedroom and vacuum frequently (make sure your vacuum has a HEPA filter). For dust mites (common in bedding), use dust-mite-proof covers on the mattress and pillows, wash bedding weekly in hot water, and consider reducing carpets or heavy drapes that collect dust. These steps create a cleaner microenvironment for the child’s skin.
  
  
• Pollens and Outdoor Allergens: During high pollen seasons, keep windows closed in the child’s room and rinse off or bathe the child after heavy outdoor play to remove pollen from skin and hair.
  
  
• Soaps and Personal Care: Use only non soap cleansers and mild shampoos for your child. Look for products labeled fragrance-free and for sensitive skin. The same goes for sunscreen – use mineral-based sunscreens (zinc or titanium dioxide) which are less irritating, and rinse it off when the child comes indoors. Avoid bubble baths and strong shampoos.
  
  
• Nails and Skin Picking: Eczema can be aggravated by scratching and picking. Keep the child’s nails short and explain (as age-appropriate) why not to scratch. Offer other comfort measures (like a stress ball to squeeze, or rubbing with a cold cloth) as alternatives.
  
  
• Emotional Stress: Help your child with stress management or anxiety reduction if you notice flare-ups during stressful times (like starting school, etc.). Calming bedtime routines, sufficient sleep, and even relaxation exercises for older kids can indirectly help the skin. A calm child is less likely to scratch unconsciously.
  
  

Small changes in the child’s surroundings can add up to fewer eczema problems. Every child’s triggers differ, so focus on the modifications that seem most relevant for your child (for example, if they’re allergic to dust mites, emphasize dust control; if heat is an issue, focus on keeping them cool, etc.).

Medical Treatments

When we still need treatment after we have optimised the skin care routine, these are treatments I typically prescribed or recommend;

• Topical Corticosteroids: These are anti-inflammatory creams or ointments often simply called “steroid creams.” They are the first-line prescription treatment for eczema flares. Topical steroids come in different strengths, from very mild (hydrocortisone 1% is over-the-counter) to strong (by prescription). They reduce redness, itching, and swelling in eczema patches. When used properly and for limited periods, topical steroids are very effective and safe for children.

I typically advise using them only on active rash areas, usually 1–2 times a day during a flare (often for a week or two at a time – up to four weeks). For sensitive areas (face, diaper area) or long-term use, milder steroids or non-steroid creams (see below) may be used to minimize any side effects. Use steroids only as directed – overuse can cause skin thinning. But under medical guidance, they greatly help control eczema flares with minimal side effects. I generally try to avoid steroid creams on the face or other sensitive areas where possible by using newer creams like Elidel.

• Non-Steroid Anti-Inflammatory Topical Medications: In recent years, several steroid-free creams and ointments have been developed for eczema:
  
  
  • Calcineurin Inhibitors: Tacrolimus ointment and pimecrolimus cream (Elidel) fall in this category. They work by dampening immune activity in the skin to reduce inflammation. We use them very frequently in children over 3 months old. They are especially useful for delicate areas like the face (eyelids, around the mouth) or groin, where long-term steroid use is less ideal. We can use for longer periods if needed, and they do not cause skin thinning.
    
    
  • Topical PDE4 Inhibitors: Crisaborole ointment is an example for mild-to-moderate eczema. It reduces inflammation through a different pathway (blocking an enzyme called PDE4). It’s approved for ages 3 months and up. It can sting a bit on application but has no steroid-related side effects.
    
    
• Bleach Baths: Not exactly “alternative” (they are dermatologist-recommended for certain cases), but worth noting: A diluted bleach bath (similar to a very mild chlorinated pool) can reduce bacteria on the skin and decrease eczema flares.

  I know bleach bath sounds really bad (we really need a marketing team to come up with a better name!) but the amount of bleach is tiny – 12ml of bleach per 10 litres of bath water. I recommend the bleach bath recipe made by the Royal Children’s hospital (https://www.rch.org.au/uploadedFiles/Main/Content/derm/Eczema%20bath.pdf – ********** but we will host it locally on the website as well) 

The best way to organise a bleach bath is to count it out the first time in 10L increments. Then you know how many 10L buckets you need to put in. The next time just fill the bath as normal to get to that level, and then pour the ingredients in. For example if you are using 50L of water, you would pour in 60ml of bleach (ie 12ml x 5 buckets). 

The pool salt you would just get from a place like Bunnings and bath oil from your local pharmacy.

I really like bleach baths in the long term management of childhood eczema. Remember you don’t need to put all the ingredients in if you don’t want to – the bath oil and pool salt when used without bleach will still help the skin be nice and hydrated and reduce the use of steroid creams. Consider doing this as often as practical at home.

• Antihistamines: These medicines don’t fix eczema itself, but they can help calm the itch. For daytime, non-drowsy antihistamines like cetirizine (Zyrtec) or loratadine (Claritin) might be tried, though they often only provide limited relief for eczema itch. At night, a sedating antihistamine such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or hydroxyzine can help an itchy child sleep better. Only use these under a doctor’s advice, especially sedating antihistamines. Never give a child more than the recommended dose.
  
  
• Antibiotics or Antivirals (for Infection): If the eczema becomes infected (which can happen from scratching and bacteria entering broken skin), a doctor may prescribe topical or oral antibiotics to clear the infection. Signs of infection include increased yellow crusting, pus bumps, painful sores, or even fever. Clearing an infection often dramatically improves the eczema. In the case of a viral infection on eczema (like the herpes cold sore virus causing eczema herpeticum), antiviral medications (e.g. acyclovir) are needed quickly. Always contact your doctor if you suspect your child’s eczema is infected.
  
  

Nutritional Considerations

Parents often wonder about diet and eczema. Here are evidence-based points on nutrition:

• Food Allergies: Many children with moderate-to-severe eczema have at least one food allergy, but the foods are triggers, not the root cause of eczema. For example, a child allergic to eggs might experience eczema flares after eating eggs. In such cases, avoiding that specific food can help reduce flares. However, do not undertake broad or restrictive diets without medical guidance. Unnecessarily cutting foods can lead to nutritional deficiencies. If you suspect a food consistently flares your child’s eczema (e.g., rash around the mouth or body worsens after certain meals), talk to us. We may refer you to an allergist for testing. Common allergenic foods include peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, cow’s milk, wheat, soy, and seafood – but every child is different. An allergist can do skin or blood tests to confirm if any food allergy exists.
  
  
• Dietary Changes: Aside from true allergies, there is no conclusive evidence that special diets cure or significantly improve eczema. Some popular suggestions (like dairy-free, gluten-free, low-sugar, or anti-inflammatory diets) have anecdotal success for some individuals, but on the whole, studies don’t show a consistent benefit. The general advice is: provide a balanced, healthy diet for your child. Plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains support overall health (and good health can mean better skin resilience). But don’t feel you must eliminate major food groups unless there’s a confirmed allergy – doing so could do more harm than good.
  
  
• Breastfeeding and Formula: In infants with eczema, some studies suggest that exclusive breastfeeding for 3–4 months might slightly reduce the risk of developing eczema, especially if there’s family history of allergies. However, if an infant already has eczema, there is limited evidence that changing mom’s diet (while breastfeeding) has a big impact, unless the baby has a diagnosed food allergy via breast milk (like blood in stool due to milk allergy). Always discuss with a doctor before eliminating foods while breastfeeding.
  
  
• Hydration: Encourage your child to drink water regularly. Well-hydrated skin (from the inside) complements external moisturizing.
  
  
• Vitamins and Supplements: A few supplements have been researched:
  
  
  • Vitamin D: There is some evidence that vitamin D supplementation may be beneficial for eczema. Children with eczema, especially in winter or in less sunny climates, often have low vitamin D levels, and supplementing vitamin D may improve symptoms in some cases. Always discuss with a doctor before starting any supplement in children.

• Probiotics: Probiotics (healthy bacteria) have been studied for eczema. Results are mixed. Giving probiotics to pregnant mothers or infants may help prevent eczema in some cases, but using probiotics to treat existing eczema hasn’t shown a big effect.
  
  
• Other supplements: Oils like evening primrose or borage oil have been tested and found not effective for eczema when taken as supplements. Omega-3 fish oil has limited evidence. Always consult a doctor before giving any supplements.
  
  

Complementary Therapies

Many families explore natural or alternative remedies for eczema. While conventional medical treatments help most children, it’s understandable to seek extra relief. Here we cover some popular complementary therapies with the evidence (or lack thereof) behind them:

• Natural Topical Remedies:
  
  
  
  • Colloidal Oatmeal Baths: As mentioned earlier, oatmeal baths are a time-honored remedy for itchy skin. Colloidal oatmeal has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and can soothe itch temporarily. This is a safe, widely accepted home remedy (available in packets at drugstores).
    
    
    
  • Manuka Honey: Medical-grade manuka honey (from New Zealand) has antimicrobial and healing properties. Some small studies suggest applying manuka honey to eczema patches (for example, under a bandage overnight) can improve eczema in older children or adults. Do not use honey on babies under 1 year (risk of botulism). Honey can be sticky and a bit messy, but it might help some patches heal – evidence is still limited but promising for its anti-inflammatory effect.
    
    
  • Aloe Vera: Aloe vera gel (from the plant or pure products) can have a cooling, anti-itch effect and is generally safe to apply. It hasn’t been rigorously studied for eczema, but anecdotal reports support its soothing qualities.
    
    

Managing Flare-Ups and Preventing Recurrence

Despite your best efforts, eczema flares will happen. Here’s how to handle them and steps to reduce how often flares occur:

• Early Intervention: At the first signs of a flare (increasing itch, a patch of redness/dryness appearing), resume or step up the treatment plan your doctor outlined. For example, you might start applying the prescription steroid or calcineurin inhibitor to that spot twice daily right away, rather than waiting for it to get very bad. Early action can sometimes abort a full-blown flare.
  
  
• Intensify Moisturizing: During flares, the skin’s barrier is extra leaky. Increase moisturizer application to at least 3-4 times a day on affected areas. You really can’t over-moisturize! I tell parents to aim for 6+ a day during flares. The more you keep the skin hydrated, the faster it can heal.
  
  
• Cool and Soothe: Use wet wrap techniques or cool compresses at home to calm severe itching (as described in Home Care). A soak in an oatmeal or dilute bleach bath can help a flare settle.
  
  
• Follow the Medication Plan: Use the prescribed creams or ointments consistently during flares. Typically, continue until the rash is significantly improved (usually 2-4 weeks). Don’t stop medication the moment the rash starts to look better – often you’d use it an extra few days to ensure the inflammation is fully quieted (unless directed otherwise by the doctor). Once the skin is smooth, you can taper off the steroid (for instance, use it once a day for a couple days, then stop). Some doctors recommend using a medicated cream on trouble-prone areas a few times a week even when clear (called proactive therapy), to prevent relapse – especially creams that have no steroid effects like Elidel or Crisaborole. Ask me if this approach might help.
  
  
• Manage Infection Promptly: If you notice signs of infection in a flare (yellow crust, pus, etc.), contact the doctor. Sometimes treating an infection will essentially stop the flare in its tracks because the bacteria might be what’s keeping the immune system revved up. The doctor may start a topical or oral antibiotic. At home, continue baths and even consider the bleach bath if advised; these measures help reduce surface bacteria.
  
  
• Keep Up Routine Even When Clear: The biggest key to preventing flares is consistent daily skin care and trigger avoidance, even during times when the skin looks good. It’s tempting to slack off on moisturizing when there’s no rash, but that’s exactly when maintenance is needed to prolong the remission. Think of eczema like a forest fire that can spark back up from embers – daily moisturizing and care keeps those embers dampened.
  
  
• Avoid Known Triggers: Once you’ve identified things that set off your child’s eczema, be vigilant about avoiding them. If dusty stuffed toys in bed cause flares, remove or wash them often. If chlorine in pools irritates, apply a barrier cream (like Vaseline) to sensitive areas before swimming, rinse off immediately after, and moisturize well. If winter dry air is a problem, use the humidifier as soon as the heating season starts. This anticipatory avoidance helps prevent flares.
  
  
• Allergy Management: If your child has confirmed allergies (e.g., to cat dander or peanuts), ensure you’re managing those – avoidance of exposure, or appropriate medications for airborne allergies. In some cases, treating allergic rhinitis with antihistamines or nasal steroids (depending on age) may indirectly help eczema by reducing overall allergic inflammation.
  
  

Emotional Support: Severe eczema flares can be tough on the child (and parents!). Comfort your child during flares; keep them cool, distract from itching, and reassure them it will get better with treatment. Stress can be both a result of flares and a trigger, so provide plenty of TLC.