Eczema is a common dry skin condition that affects about 10 - 15% of all infants and children. Its cause is unknown. It usually runs in families. The skin of children with eczema becomes inflamed, irritated and is usually very itchy. While it is not an infection of the skin, children with eczema can become infected if the skin breaks down and develops open sores. Your child will may outgrow his eczema by puberty. However, if and when this will happen is different for all children.

Things YOU can do to ease the itching and discomfort for your child:

• Give your child short (less than 10 minutes); cool or lukewarm baths 1-2 times each day. Pat the skin dry after each bath. Do not rub dry.
• Immediately after bath, apply medications to affected skin and then apply moisturizer to all skin.
• Use Dove® (unscented), Cetaphil®, Vanicream® or Oil of Olay® (unscented) soap for bathing.
• Keep the indoor temperature cool:
  67-70° F in the winter
  72-80° F in the summer
• Avoid wool clothing next to your child’s skin. Cotton clothing is preferable.
• Use fragrance-free and dye-free laundry detergents, such as Tide-free®, Cheer-free®, All-free and clear® or Purex-Free®.
• Do not use fabric softeners or bleach on your child’s clothing unless they are dye free and fragrance free such as Bounce Free® or Downy Free®.
• Avoid cigarette smoke around your child – especially in your home and cars.

Be sure to keep your child’s clinic appointments.  Your child needs to be monitored regularly for changes in care to be made as needed.

Treatments:
Moisturizers:   Apply the moisturizer to your child’s body 2- 3 times each day. Be sure to put it on immediately after bathing, even when your child’s skin is clear.  If your child is being treated with a steroid ointment, the moisturizer should be applied on top of the medication.

In general, ointments are most effective and can be put on less frequently than creams.  Lotions tend to be less moisturizing and are not recommended for patients with eczema.  Aquaphor® ointment, Vaseline® petroleum jelly (during winter months) and  Cetaphil® cream, Vanicream®, Moisturel® cream or Eucerin® cream (during summer months). If your child is being treated with a steroid ointment, the moisturizer should be applied on top of the steroid ointment.

Topical steroids: May help to decrease the inflammation and itching. They should only be used on areas of eczema, not on normal skin. The area of the skin affected and the severity of the eczema will determine strength of the topical steroid used. Strong topical steroids should not be used on the face, under arms, groin or diaper area. Topical steroids are usually used only on affected skin as prescribed by your child’s doctor.

Antihistamines:
May be prescribed to reduce itching (See Antihistamines Med Card)

Antibiotics:
Topical and/or oral antibiotics may be used if your child’s skin is infected. Be sure to give this medicine as directed and until it is all gone.
 

Domeboro® compresses are used to treat areas of draining or “weeping” skin that may occur with eczema. (See Domeboro® Compresses Care Card)

 Wet wraps may be needed if your child’s skin remains badly irritated or if your child continues to excessively scratch his skin. Apply the prescribed topical medications and/or moisturizer. With lukewarm tap water, moisten (not dripping wet) a soft, white, cotton cloth (such as a man’s handkerchief, a thin diaper, strips of bed sheeting, tube socks, long johns, cotton onsie or cotton pajamas). The cloth needs to be large enough to cover the affected area. Lay the moist cloth on the skin and cover with a dry cloth. If the affected area is large, cover the wet cloth with a sweat suit. Leave the wet wraps in place for several hours or overnight if possible.  Do this procedure as directed by your child’s doctor.

Call your child’s doctor or the Children’s Mercy Information Line at (816)234-3188 if:

• your child’s eczema gets worse.
• your child develops new pustules, blisters, cold sores or boils.
• your child’s skin looks infected.
• you have any questions or concerns about your child’s eczema or treatment.

Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics

Kansas City,Missouri                                                       Overland Park,Kansas

Care cards are provided as a public education service. The information does not replace instructions your physician gives you. If you have questions about your child's care, please call your physician.

Estas instruccions son provistas como un servicio educacional. La information no sustituye las instrucciones de su medico. Si tiene preguntas encuanto al duidado de su niño, por favor llame a su medico.