Helping Your Child Manage Their Eczema

It breaks your heart to see your child suffer when their eczema flares up. But you can take steps to help them feel better. Allergy experts share how you can help your child manage their eczema to reduce symptoms and flare-ups.

It’s natural to feel frustrated and helpless when your child’s eczema flares up, sending you on the hunt for any remedy to ease the itching and pain.

At Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology Specialists in Tampa and Brandon, Florida, our team understands your struggles and strong desire to make the discomfort just go away. While we can’t cure your child’s eczema, we can help you manage it and help your child feel better.

About your child’s eczema

About 20% of children worldwide have eczema. The frequency and severity of flare-ups varies significantly, but any level can make your child uncomfortable. The primary concern is the itchiness of the rash, which can cause scratching and wounds that put your child at risk of infection.

Researchers are still investigating the underlying cause of eczema, but believe the rash occurs because of an immune system reaction to external irritants or allergens. There are several types of eczema with different causes and symptoms, but atopic dermatitis is the most common.

Spotting the early signs

Dry, itchy skin is usually the first sign of a flare-up. The itching is frequently more intense at night, and your child may scratch the skin, further irritating it.

A red bumpy or scaly rash may follow the itch. The redness usually appears on the cheeks, forehead, or scalp in infants and in the bend of the elbow or knees in older kids.

Taking action at the first signs of dryness or itching can help reduce the severity of symptoms and prevent complications.

Managing eczema flare-ups

At the start of a flare, moisturizing is key. Apply an ointment, not lotion, two to three times a day, especially after baths or showers, to lock in moisture.

Your child may also need a steroid cream to reduce inflammation. And, we may recommend oral allergy medications to ease night itching and help them sleep better. Your child may also need an antibiotic to treat any infections that develop.

The goal of treatment is to control itching, reduce scratching, and keep your child as comfortable as possible.

Preventing flare-ups with daily care

Preventing eczema flare-ups is the best approach for managing your child’s skin condition over the long term. While skin care routines vary based on eczema types and triggers, general recommendations include:

Keeping baths short, using warm water, not hot
Applying moisturizing ointment after bathing and throughout the day
Choosing nonallergenic soaps and detergents
Drinking water throughout the day for hydration
Dressing your child in soft, breathable clothes

Avoiding eczema triggers and allergens is also crucial to management. We offer in-office allergy testing to identify the allergens behind your child’s flare-ups and provide personalized strategies to minimize exposure.

Your child’s eczema may get better as they get older and may even go away. Until then, helping your child manage their skin condition can keep them comfortable. If you’re struggling with itchy rashes and unhappy kids, we can help.

Call us today or book an appointment online at the office closest to you. We have offices in South Tampa and the Carrollwood suburb of Tampa, as well as Brandon, Florida.