Fact: The reality is that eczema is a genetic problem - the environment is also a factor. The outside layer of skin has micro-cracks that can let moisture out. Inflammation happens and that leads to skin that may look red, flaky and can be weepy. You can't catch eczema and you cannot pass it on to someone else.
If the skin has open sores or blisters that have become infected, then this can spread to other people.
Fact: Eczema can have a huge impact on your child's quality of life:
Fact: Your child needs these when eczema is flaring (red and itchy). You generally use these creams or ointments once daily. The aim is to calm the inflamed skin.
Using the skin steroid too thinly (sparingly) may lead to not calming the rash. Put enough of the cream or ointment on all rashes.
Fact: When there is flared (red and itchy) eczema skin, this needs the help of skin steroids.
Moisturisers are also very important. Make sure to put them on skin at least in the morning and evening. Smoothe them on in the direction that hair grows.
Fact: Moisturisers may contain many ingredients. Some of these may in fact make eczema worse.
Use a simple cream or ointment, rather than a lotion and avoid ingredients that come from foods.
Fact: Bathing usually causes no problems and is very important for your child with eczema. Bathing washes off germs, dirt and can help to keep moisture in the skin (hydrate the skin).
It's best to bath daily in warm water. Avoid soap or bubble bath. Always use a soap-free product to wash the skin.
It is also important to put moisturiser on straight after the bath.
Fact: Bleach baths are very safe when used in the right way. They decrease germs sitting on skin with eczema.
Using the right bleach and the right amount is important - check When and how to use bleach baths for your child with eczema [1].
Fact: Spending too much time in water can make eczema worse. This is especially true if your child's skin is flaring (red and itchy). But, when your child has clearer skin, they can try swimming. It often causes no problems.
It's good for children to be confident in water.
Always moisturise before swimming. Don't spend too long in the water. Get out and have a fresh-water wash off. Moisturise again.
Fact: Eczema is more likely when there is a family member with eczema but not all these children will develop eczema.
A child may get eczema even when they don't have a parent with eczema.
Fact: There is no single treatment that can make eczema go away permanently. Good skin care is the main focus of managing eczema. Eczema is a long-lasting (chronic) condition. It is likely to go through changes at different stages of life.
Fact: Eczema is caused by the outside layer of skin not being made properly. Several things can make eczema flares worse. These include: dust, soaps or pollens, and sometimes food, passing into the skin, causing it to get red and inflamed. These are irritants which flare the skin - this is not an allergy.
Fact: Stopping a food (food avoidance) will not necessarily improve eczema. Doctors and nurse specialists do not generally advise food avoidance. Good skin care is the focus of managing eczema.
Talk to your doctor or nurse specialist before withdrawing food from your child’s diet if your child:
See Eczema and food allergy - fast facts [2].
This content has been approved by the Eczema Clinical Network and the Child and Youth Allergy Clinical Network, Paediatric Society New Zealand.
This page last reviewed 25 August 2020.
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Links
[1] https://www.kidshealth.org.nz/when-how-use-bleach-baths-your-child-eczema?language=en
[2] https://www.kidshealth.org.nz/eczema-food-allergy-fast-facts?language=en
[3] https://www.kidshealth.org.nz/contact?from=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kidshealth.org.nz%2Fprint%2F2524