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Always follow your doctor's recommendations. Here are some general tips:
Eczema Tips for Parents: Younger Children
- Avoid eczema triggers. Dress your child only in soft materials (such as cotton) that are breathable and not scratchy. You also may need to keep your child away from pets or some foods
- Use mild, fragrance-free soaps. When bathing a child with eczema, use only soaps and shampoos that are gentle on the skin. Use minimal amounts of soap, and apply soap to a washcloth or sponge first before applying to a child's skin
- Moisturize regularly. Keep your child's skin moisturized by regularly applying appropriate creams or ointments, especially over areas affected by eczema. Ointments are generally preferred for dry skin
- No scratching. Don't let your child scratch eczema skin rashes. Explain that scratching will make them worse. Keep fingernails well trimmed or, in severe cases, cover the hands with cotton mittens
- Control your environment. Keep your home humidified, change your child's bedding often using only soft (preferably cotton) sheets and blankets, vacuum or clean rugs and carpets regularly, and limit pets to certain areas of
your home