How To Manage Your Child's Eczema

  • Keep them cool. Use cool, light bedding, loose clothing and always keep the bedroom somewhat cool at night.
     
  • Keep the skin moist. Keep skin well moisturized, even when a rash is not present. This will help to prevent the skin from flaring.
     
  • Use 100% cotton clothes and bedding. Avoid nylon and wool. Wash clothes and bedding in a mild detergent, avoid bleach and fabric softeners, and rinse clothes twice.
     
  • Pets. Avoid pets - contact with fur and feathers can irritate the skin.  Animal dander can also produce an allergic reaction in some sufferers. Dander, or the proteins in skin flakes, hair and saliva, are very small particles that can be carried through the air. All pets shed some amount of dander, even pets that are considered to be “hypoallergenic”.  However, a hypoallergenic pet (for example, dog breeds such as Poodles or Yorkshire Terriers) may cause less of an allergic reaction in sufferers.  If your child has their heart set on a pet, consider animals that do not normally produce an allergic reaction, such as turtles, lizards or aquarium fish.10
     
  • Pests. Dust mites, fungus, and mould can irritate eczema. Try to keep the bedroom as free of these irritants as possible. There are a number of products available to help manage these. Using special high-powered vacuum cleaners and allergen/dust proof mattress and pillow covers can control these microscopic creatures. Having hardwood floors and washing bedding frequently at high temperatures can also help.
     
  • Keep fingernails short and clean. If necessary, use cotton gloves or mittens at night to prevent scratching during sleep.
     
  • Diet. Changes to diet may be effective for some children if food has been identified as a trigger factor. Only do this with advice from your doctor or a dietitian.
     
  • Emollients/moisturizers. Make sure the moisturizer/emollient you choose does not contain alcohol, which will dry your child's skin. While the skin is still damp, apply moisturizers to create a barrier against water loss. Make sure any moisturizers or emollients you use are rich enough (has a high oil to water ratio) to help keep moisture in the skin.  Lotions generally have the lowest oil to water ratio, followed by creams.  Ointments have the highest oil to water ratio.  Because of this, ointments generally provide the best hydration, but they can also be messy to use. 
     
  • Bathing. Bathe your child in warm, not hot, water for 5 to 10 minutes. If necessary, use mild cleansers free of perfumes and harsh irritants. Pat the skin dry, and then apply a moisturizer to the child's entire body sealing in the moisture from the bath.
     
  • Be patient. Eczema is a chronic disease and must be managed daily. Find a routine both you and your child can live with and stick to it. Remember, you are not alone, and there is support.
     
  • Involve your child. It's important for your child to feel involved in their own skincare. It helps them achieve a sense of control over their disease and helps them feel good that they can do something about the awful itch.

10 Is Your Pet’s Dander Worsening Your Asthma? www.asthma.about.com

  • What Are The Odds?

    What Are The Odds?

    • 40-50% of children with eczema have asthma, hay fever, or both
    • 49-75% before 6 months
    • 80-90% by 5 years old
    • 10-15% of adults
  • Eczema 'flare ups'

    Eczema 'flare ups'

    The sudden appearance of eczema, triggered by environmental, genetic, or immunologic reactions

  • Tips To Control The Itch

    Tips To Control The Itch

    • Keep your child's nails short
    • Cover hands with cotton mittens during the day and at night
    • Older children must be made to understand that scratching will only make the itch worse, not better
  • Keep Little Hands Busy

    Keep Little Hands Busy

    Distract your child from scratching by providing activities that take their mind off the itch

  • Ease Program
    Ease Program
  • For Kids
    For Kids