https://kingstonhospital.nhs.uk/information/eczema-in-children
This is for anyone looking after a baby or child with eczema.
Eczema is inflammation of the skin which can make it red, dry and flaky. Itching is the main symptom and children often scratch their skin, damaging it even more.
There is no single cause of eczema. Some family history factors make children more likely to have conditions such as eczema, asthma, hay fever and food allergies. If there is a family history factor, things like using soap, getting too hot, wearing wool or having contact with dust can trigger eczema. Stress, being unwell, and infections can also trigger eczema.
Eczema cannot be cured, but we can control it and prevent flare ups. Around 60 to 70% of children who have eczema in the first few years of their life will grow out of it by the age of 11.
Use skin barrier emollients (moisturisers). Emollient treatments have an important role in treating eczema. They protect the skin from irritants and allergens and prevent loss of water from the skin. Ask your pharmacy for advice on choosing an emollient if you aren’t sure.
Topical steroids (those applied to the skin) can help to reduce inflammation such as swelling, redness and itching during flare-ups of eczema.
Steroid ointments are not bad for the skin. The misconception that topical steroids always give side effects dates back to misuse of stronger steroid creams in the 1960s/70s. Long term continuous use can result in thinning of the skin. However the skin usually recovers when the cream is stopped, and this side effect is unlikely to happen now because steroids are usually prescribed to control flare ups and are not recommended for continuous use.
Calcineurin inhibitors: these ointments can be used when steroid creams have not kept your child’s eczema well controlled. Two types are available, and they are particularly suitable for delicate areas of skin, for example the face.
Do an extra rinse when washing their clothes.
Keep their fingernails short to prevent damage if they scratch their skin.
Instead of allowing them to scratch the skin, apply a cold pack. Then gently pat the skin or blow cold air on the itchy area.
Pat the skin dry after bathing them. Apply moisturiser to the eczema area straight afterwards.
Remember to keep your GP up to date with the list of creams and/or ointments so you can order via repeat prescription.
 National Eczema Society www.eczema.org/information-and- advice/information-for-parents-and- children/children-and-eczema/ |  |
 Allergy UK www.allergyuk.org/ |  |
| Dermatology Department, Kingston Hospital (Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm) | 020 8934 6473 |
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Please speak to a member of staff before or during your visit to the hospital if you require translation support to access Patient Information. Please ring the phone number on your appointment letter, if you have one.
Please contact the Patient Experience Team on 020 893 3850 if you need this information in a different format.
For detailed information on accessibility at Kingston Hospital visit Kingston Hospital AccessAble (https://www.accessable.co.uk/kingston-hospital-nhs-foundation-trust).
Visit the hospital website, ask a member of staff, or ring us for details.