Treating children with eczema

This resource is set of instructions for how to treat your child’s eczema. It is important to follow these instructions and have a routine to help your child’s skin and relive their symptoms.

Bathing your child

Add a capful of oil to the running water while filling the bath. Your child needs a long soak in a warm bath every night.

Use a soap substitute and shampoo as recommended by the hospital so it does not irritate their skin.

Use a fresh, clean towel and pat your child dry. Never rub them with a towel.

Steroid cream

Steroid creams and ointments are measured in adult fingertip units (FTU).

Different amounts are needed depending on the part of your child’s body affected and the age of your child.

Apply the steroid cream carefully where needed.

Moisturiser

After applying the steroid cream you need to wait half an hour before applying moisturiser.

Use lots of moisturiser all over your child’s body.

Apply the cream with long downward strokes. Never rub as this can start the itch-scratch cycle.

Wet wrap your child

Wet wraps are simply 2 cotton suits, vests or leggings or tights after moisturising at night. 1 layer is applied wet, next to your child’s skin. The other dry 1 is put on top.

Your specialist nurse will show you how to do this.

Paste bandaging

Paste bandaging needs to be done carefully.

As you wrap from the ankle to the knee, with every turn, the bandage should be folded back on itself to form a pleat. This stops the bandage becoming too tight.

Your dermatology specialist nurse will show you what to do.

It is hard work looking after a child with eczema, but with your help the condition can be kept under control and the irritation of scratching relieved.

Recommendations for your child

What moisturisers should I use?

What bath oils should I use?

What can I use to wash with instead of soap?

Which shampoo should I use?

Which steroid cream or ointment should I use on their face?

Which steroid cream or ointment should I use on their body?

How much steroid cream or ointment should I use on their face?

How much steroid cream or ointment should I use on their body?

Do they need any antibiotic creams?

Do they need wet wraps?

Do they need paste bandaging?

What if I run out of creams?