What is eczema?

Eczema is a red, extremely itchy rash. The rash often starts on the cheeks at 2 to 6 months of age. The rash is mostly on inner surfaces of elbows, wrists, and knees.

Eczema is a type of sensitive, dry skin that runs in families. Eczema is triggered by contact with irritating substances (for example, soap or chlorine). In 30% of infants with eczema, flare-ups occur within 2 hours of eating certain foods (such as cow's milk, eggs, or peanut butter).

How can I take care of my child?

• Steroid creams

  Steroid creams are the main treatment of the itch of eczema. Most children need 2 types of steroid creams: one preventive cream to treat mild eczema and another stronger cream to stop a flare-up once it has started.

  Preventive steroid cream. Your child's preventive steroid cream is _________________________. Apply this cream ________ times a day to any spot that itches. Also use it for mild flare-ups. After the rash quiets down, use it for another week. Always take the cream with you when you travel and make sure you buy more before you run out.

  Rescue steroid cream. Your child's rescue cream is _______________________. Apply this cream ________ times a day for severe itching or rash. Never apply this more powerful steroid cream to the face.

• Hydrating the skin. Hydration prevents flare-ups. Soaking in a bath once a day for 10 minutes will also help the itching. Soaps make eczema worse. Young children usually do not need soap. Teenagers need soap to wash under the arms, the genital area, and the feet.
• Lubricating cream. After the bath, apply a cream such as Keri, Lubriderm, Nivea, or Nutraderm. Put on the cream within 3 minutes after the bath to trap the moisture in the skin.
• Antihistimine medicine.

  An antihistamine is needed at bedtime for itching that is keeping your child from getting to sleep or causes your child to wake up during the night. Your child's antihistamine is ___________________. Give _________ at bedtime for _____________ days.

How can I prevent eczema?

Cotton clothes should be worn as much as possible. Avoid triggers that cause eczema to flare up, such as sweating, excessive cold, dry air (use a humidifier), chlorine, harsh chemicals, and soaps. Never use bubble bath.

Call your child's doctor right away if:

• The rash looks infected and your child has a fever.
• The rash flares up after contact with fever blisters.

Call your child's doctor during office hours if:

• The rash becomes raw and open in several places.
• The rash looks infected (red streaks, pus, yellow scabs).
• The rash hasn't improved after 7 days of treatment.
• You have other concerns or questions.