Looking after a child diagnosed with eczema

The key to looking after a child with eczema is to ensure their skin is always well-moisturised. A child with eczema cannot overdose on moisturiser!

Watch these videos on three easy steps to looking after a child with eczema, bathing a child with eczema, moisturisers, and steroids.
Keep in regular contact with your child's GP.
Talk to your general practice team about an eczema action plan. This is a useful way to keep track of the moisturisers, soap substitutes, bath oils, antiseptics, and steroid creams that your child uses.
Make sure you know what irritates your child's skin and triggers their eczema. Common irritants are
- soaps, detergents, ink, and motor oil
- scratching (keep their nails short)
- overheating (avoid dry environments)
- wool and scratchy fabrics next to their skin (use cotton bedding).
Regularly use plenty of moisturiser to keep your child's skin moist. This is the key to controlling eczema.
Learn how to use eczema treatments, such as steroid creams, antihistamines, and wet wraps.
Use non-biological laundry powders.
Watch out for infected eczema. Take your child to the GP if you think their eczema is infected.

Learn more by reading these online resources about eczema.

The following people and organisations may be involved in your child's healthcare.

If you need to find a GP, you can search on this map.

Your GP may refer your child to the Christchurch Hospital Dermatology Department, where they will be seen as outpatient.

If you prefer, you can pay to see a private dermatologist. You can find a private dermatologist on Healthpages or Healthpoint

Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed March 2017.

Page reference: 5781

Review key: HIEXC-14148