Longwood Pediatrics encourages our patient families to take an active part in their health through education and consultation. We provide the below information for your reference but it is not meant to replace a visit with your medical provider. Please contact us if you feel your child needs to be seen in the office.

Please always dial 911 in the case of a medical emergency.

Eczema

 

What is Eczema?

Eczema, also called atopic dermatitis, is a form of irritated dry skin that affects many children. We do not know what causes some children to develop eczema. Occasionally, it is made worse by eating certain foods, but we generally do not advise special diets to control eczema, unless it is very severe. Eczema is usually worse during the winter and in dry weather. Also, some fabrics, such as acrylic fleece, wool, and polyester may worsen a child’s eczema, so generally 100% cotton fabrics against the skin are best. The use of harsh detergents and fabric softeners should be avoided in washing the clothes of children with eczema.

How Should I Treat My Child’s Eczema?

Generally, there are three parts to a treatment plan for eczema: moisturizing the skin, applying anti-inflammatory medications when needed, and using antihistamine medications to control itching.

1. Moisturizing The Skin

You should apply a generous amount of moisturizer to your child’s skin at least twice a day, every day. When the weather is particularly dry, or your child’s eczema is bad, try to moisturize three or four times a day. Longwood Pediatrics might recommend the following moisturizer for your child:

HYDRATED PETROLATUM AQUAPHOR EUCERIN BAG BALM

One extremely important time to moisturize your child’s skin is after bathing. You may bathe your child as frequently as you wish, but it is crucial to moisturize your child’s skin immediately after every bath! As soon as you get your child out of the bath, pat him partly dry and apply the moisturizer while the skin is still damp. Also, use only a small amount of a mild soap for baths. Your doctor might also recommended the following soap for your child:

DOVE (UNSCENTED) Or CETAPHIL

2. Anti-Inflammatory Medication

Inflammation (redness, irritation, itching) of the skin is a major part of eczema. Depending how bad your child’s eczema is, you may need to apply an anti-inflammatory medication every day or just during flare-ups. Your doctor may recommend a different medication for the face and other parts of the body. Your doctor might recommend one the following anti-inflammatory medication(s) for your child:

HYDROCORTISONE (OVER-THE-COUNTER) strength: 0.5% or 1% preparation: ointment cream

HYDROCORTISONE strength: 2.5% (PRESCRIPTION) preparation: ointment cream

DESONIDE strength: 0.05% (DESOWEN) preparation: ointment cream

MOMETASONE strength: 0.1% (ELOCON) preparation: ointment cream

FLUOCINOLONE strength: 0.025% (SYNALAR) preparation: ointment cream

PIMECROLIMUS strength: 1% (ELIDEL) preparation: cream

3. Antihistamine Medication for Itching

Often children with eczema become so itchy that they cannot stop scratching! This can become a vicious cycle, as the more the child scratches, the more she itches. For this reason, your doctor may recommend an oral antihistamine medication to control itching. Your doctor might recommend:

DIPHENHYDRAMINE (BENADRYL; OVER-THE-COUNTER) dose: how often: every 6 hours as needed

CETIRIZINE (ZYRTEC) dose: how often: once a day

HYDROXYZINE (ATARAX) dose: how often: every 6-8 hours as needed

4. Other Treatments

Sometimes other medicines, such as antibiotics, may be needed to control your child’s eczema.