Eczema is a common skin condition that affects many children. It causes red, itchy patches on the skin that can be uncomfortable and embarrassing for children. Fortunately, there are several ways to treat and control eczema in children. With proper care and treatment, it is possible to reduce the symptoms of this skin condition and improve the quality of life for affected kids. In this article, we will discuss how to treat and control eczema in children, including lifestyle changes, medications, and other treatments.
Causes of Eczema in Children
Causes of eczema in children are a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Doctors believe that this condition is triggered by an overactive immune system. This over activation causes inflammation and irritation of the skin. Common triggers include allergens such as dust mites, pet dander, pollen, mold, and certain foods.
In addition, food allergies can be associated with eczema in a small subset of children. About 30% of children will have an associated food sensitivity or allergy that can contribute to their atopic dermatitis.
Also, stress can also be a trigger for eczema flare-ups in children. It is important to identify any potential triggers so that they can be avoided or managed appropriately.
Lifestyle Changes to Treat Eczema in Children
Making lifestyle changes can help reduce the symptoms of eczema in children. This includes
- Avoid known triggers
- Moisturize skin with emollients
- Use mild soaps and detergents
- Wear loose-fitting clothing made from natural fibers such as cotton
Additionally, parents should avoid irritants such as bubble baths and scented lotions or other skin products containing fragrance. It is also important to keep the affected area clean and dry to prevent infection. Additionally, regular exercise reduces stress levels which can help reduce flare-ups of eczema in children.
Moisturize Skin
Unfortunately, there is no cure for eczema and it is often a condition that will plague a child throughout their childhood years. However, there are many things that parents can do to help control their child’s eczema. Moisturizers are the cornerstone of treatment. Dry skin leads to irritated and itchy skin.
Moisturizing the skin is an important part of treating and controlling eczema in children. Parents should apply a moisturizer to the affected area several times a day to help reduce itching, inflammation, and dryness. Additionally, use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer that is specifically designed for sensitive skin. For best results, apply it immediately after bathing or showering when the skin is still damp. This helps lock in moisture and prevent further irritation. Additionally, use warm water instead of hot water when bathing. This will reduce irritation and dryness.
If your budget doesn’t allow you to purchase big jars of expensive moisturizers, plain petroleum jelly works well as a moisturizer for atopic dermatitis. It is a less expensive way to moisturize the eczema rash and provide relief for your child. This is especially true if they have severe eczema or are having a severe flare. The main downside of petroleum jelly is it’s heavy and greasy feel. Not all kids tolerate its texture on their skin.
Decrease the Itch
Itching is a common symptom of eczema in children and can be very uncomfortable. To reduce the itch, your pediatrician will often prescribe topical medications such as hydrocortisone cream or stronger topical steroids. Most of these medications require a prescription from your child’s doctor. These products can help reduce inflammation and provide relief from itching.
Topical steroids are the main way in which we treat the itch of eczema. These medications are meant to be used for the shortest duration possible and the lowest effective dose. Even though these medications can have the side effects such as thinning of the skin, they are extremely effective in calming the inflammation that is making your child’s eczema worse. Typically, pediatricians and dermatologists recommend using a topical steroid on areas that are particularly red and inflamed until they clear up. If your child has eczema patches on their face, their pediatrician may prescribe an alternative topical medication that does not contain steroids due to the sensitivity of this area of the body.
Additionally, if itch is the most bothersome of your child’s eczema symptoms for them, you may use an oral antihistamine medication to help decrease their itch and help them to sleep. Ask your pediatrician for their advice if your child’s scratching is making them uncomfortable and unable to sleep at night.
Skin Healing
In addition to lifestyle changes and medications, there are other ways to help treat and control eczema in children. Skin healing is an important part of managing eczema. This includes things that we have already mentioned such as using gentle cleansers, avoiding harsh soaps, and using lukewarm water when bathing. Additionally, it is important to moisturize the skin with emollients or creams that contain ceramides or hyaluronic acid. These ingredients help restore the skin’s natural barrier and reduce inflammation. When choosing a moisturizer for your child, look for products that are endorsed by the national eczema society.
Kids with eczema are prone to skin infections
Unfortunately, kids with eczema are more prone to skin infections due to the weakened state of their skin barrier. Atopic dermatitis can cause dryness, inflammation, and irritation which makes it easier for bacteria and viruses to enter the skin. Additionally, scratching the affected area can further irritate the skin and lead to infection. To help prevent this, it is important to keep your child’s nails trimmed and encourage them to avoid scratching as much as possible.
Additionally, use a gentle cleanser and moisturizer that is specifically designed for sensitive skin. This reduces inflammation and keeps the skin healthy. If your child does develop an infection, it is important to alert your child’s pediatrician as soon as possible.
In addition, bacterial infections such as impetigo, viruses such as molluscum contagiosum, herpes simplex virus or coxsackie virus particularly love causing extra misery for kids with eczema. They easily spread on irritated skin through scratching. If you notice that your child has particularly inflamed skin, a spreading rash or is having a fever or pain, be sure to alert your pediatrician sooner rather than later. Children with eczema are particularly vulnerable to these pathogens due to their interrupted skin barrier.
Other Ways to Treat Eczema and Prevent Infection
While moisturizing the skin and using topical steroids on particularly inflamed areas is the mainstay of treatment for eczema, there are other things that you can do to help your child.
Wet Wraps
Wet wraps are a great way to treat eczema in children. This technique involves applying a wet bandage or cloth over the affected area and then covering it with a dry layer of clothing. For young kids, a damp pair of footy pajamas underneath a pair of dry pajamas works well. This treatment helps to reduce inflammation and itching, as well as prevent infection.
Wrapping your child’s skin in moist cloths can be used for short periods of time, such as overnight. Be sure that your wrap is not too tight or causing discomfort to your child. Additionally, it is important to use moisturizers before applying the wrap in order to help keep the skin hydrated and healthy. Wet wraps can be an effective way to treat eczema in children and help to relieve some of their symptoms.
Bleach Baths
Additionally, bleach baths are a great way to help treat and control eczema in children. You can add 1/2 cup regular household bleach to a bathtub full (about 40 gallons) of warm water. Allow your child to soak in the water for about 10 minutes and then rinse them with clear water. The bleach helps to reduce bacteria on the skin, which can help reduce inflammation and itching associated with eczema.
Latest treatments for eczema
Biologic medications are a relatively new type of treatment for eczema that target specific parts of the immune system. These medications are administered through an injection, infusion or pills and work by blocking certain proteins that cause inflammation. These treatments can be very effective in reducing symptoms and improving quality of life for those with moderate to severe eczema. They may also help reduce the risk of skin infections, as well as reduce the need for topical steroids. While these medications can be expensive, they may be covered by insurance and can provide long-term relief from eczema symptoms.
Do I need to treat my child’s eczema forever?
Most children grow out of eczema as they get older. While it is imperative to treat and control the condition in the short term, it is also important to remember that most children will outgrow their eczema as they age. With proper treatment and care, many children can find relief from their symptoms and eventually stop needing treatment altogether. Additionally, lifestyle changes such as avoiding triggers, using gentle skin care products, and keeping the skin hydrated can help reduce flare-ups and improve overall skin health. With patience and time, most children will not suffer from atopic dermatitis for their whole life.
© 127 Pediatrics, January 2023, update in January 2024
Please note that this article is purely for informational purposes and should not be interpreted as medical advice.
Dr. Andrea Wadley owns and operates 127 Pediatrics, a pediatric and lactation practice in Colleyville, TX. She specializes in pediatrics, breastfeeding medicine and offers house calls only. Additionally, Dr. Wadley is the owner of the 127 Pediatrics Online Breastfeeding Medicine and Education Center. We have many free resources for breastfeeding mothers. Subscribe to our YouTube channel or download a free breastfeeding checklist.
