October is Eczema Awareness Month, making it a timely opportunity to talk about a skin condition that affects many children and families. If your child has eczema, you know how frustrating it can be to watch them deal with dry, irritated, and itchy skin. You may wonder what caused the flare-up, whether you’re using the right products, or even whether something in your child’s diet could be contributing.
The good news? Childhood eczema is common, and there are many ways parents can help manage symptoms and protect their child’s skin.
We asked the experts at Village Dermatology some of the questions parents ask most often about eczema in children. From daily moisturizing and bathing to managing persistent itching and understanding potential food allergies, here’s what Birmingham-area parents should know.
What Causes Eczema in Children?
First, if your child has eczema, don’t blame yourself. Eczema is very common in children and doesn’t reflect anything you are doing wrong as a parent.
Children with eczema often have a skin barrier that does not retain moisture as well as it should. This can leave the skin more sensitive to irritants and allergens. Genetics can also play a role, so eczema may run in families.
“Absolutely not!” says Kelly Fordham, dermatology PA-C at Village Dermatology, when asked whether parents are doing something wrong. “My goal is to help strengthen that skin barrier, identify triggers, and get flare-ups under control.”
Understanding your child’s triggers and building a consistent skincare routine can make a big difference in managing eczema.
What Should I Put on My Child’s Skin Every Day?
One of the most important parts of managing childhood eczema is keeping the skin moisturized, even when it looks healthy.
Village Dermatology recommends using a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer regularly. Applying moisturizer shortly after a bath or shower, while the skin is still slightly damp, can help lock in moisture.
During an eczema flare, your child’s dermatologist may also recommend medication to reduce inflammation.
Think of moisturizer as part of your child’s everyday skincare routine rather than something you only reach for when eczema appears. Consistent skin care can help support the skin barrier and reduce the likelihood or severity of future flares.
How Often Should I Bathe My Child With Eczema?
You don’t necessarily need to avoid baths if your child has eczema. In fact, bathing can be helpful when you follow a few simple guidelines.
Village Dermatology recommends that parents:
- Use lukewarm water instead of hot water.
- Keep baths relatively short.
- Choose a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser.
- Avoid scrubbing the skin.
- Skip heavily-fragranced soaps and bubble baths.
- Apply moisturizer soon after the bath while the skin is still slightly damp.
The goal is to cleanse your child’s skin without stripping away too much of its natural moisture.
How Can I Help My Child Stop Scratching?
For many children with eczema, itching can be one of the most difficult symptoms to manage. Scratching can further irritate the skin, creating an itch-scratch cycle that can be difficult to break.
Keeping your child’s skin well moisturized and addressing inflammation early can help. Parents can also try a few simple strategies at home:
- Keep your child’s fingernails short.
- Choose soft cotton clothing and pajamas.
- Consider soft cotton sleepwear, especially at night.
- Use a cool compress for temporary relief from itching.
For some children, newer targeted eczema treatments may also provide relief. These treatments work on specific pathways involved in itch and inflammation rather than simply calming the skin more broadly.
Depending on your child’s age and the severity of their eczema, a dermatology provider can help determine whether one of these treatments may be appropriate.
If your child’s itching continues to interfere with sleep, school, activities or everyday life, reach out to talk with the Village Dermatology team about treatment options.
Could My Child’s Eczema Be Caused by a Food Allergy?
This is a common concern for parents, but eczema does not automatically mean that your child has a food allergy.
Eczema and food allergies can occur together, but parents should not eliminate foods from a child’s diet without first discussing the situation with their pediatrician or dermatologist. Unnecessary food restrictions can affect your child’s nutrition and growth.
If you notice a consistent reaction after your child eats a particular food, talk with their healthcare provider. Pay particular attention to symptoms such as hives, swelling, vomiting, coughing or breathing problems.
Your child’s healthcare provider can help determine whether additional evaluation is appropriate.
Will My Child Outgrow Eczema?
Many children experience significant improvement in their eczema as they get older, but every child is different.
Some children may experience occasional flare-ups, while others continue to have eczema into adolescence or adulthood.
The good news is that parents have many options for managing eczema and helping children stay comfortable. The right treatment plan can help reduce symptoms and keep eczema from interfering with sleep, school, activities and everyday life.
The key is finding a skincare and treatment routine that works for your child and your family.
When Should I Call the Doctor About My Child’s Eczema?
Most eczema can be managed with an appropriate skincare routine and guidance from your child’s healthcare provider. However, certain changes deserve prompt attention.
Contact your child’s healthcare professional and dermatology provider if your child’s eczema becomes:
- Painful
- Rapidly worse
- Oozing or crusting
- Associated with blisters
- Accompanied by a fever
These symptoms can sometimes indicate an infection or another condition that requires evaluation.
Helping Your Child Manage Eczema
Managing childhood eczema can take some trial and error, but parents don’t have to figure it out alone. A consistent skincare routine, appropriate treatment and guidance from a dermatology professional can help keep your child’s skin more comfortable and reduce the impact eczema has on everyday life.
Kelly Fordham and the team at Village Dermatology are available to help families navigate their child’s skin health and find an approach that fits their individual needs.
To learn more or schedule an appointment, visit Village Dermatology online.
