Quick Background on Childhood Eczema
Who gets it? Atopic dermatitis (eczema) is one of the most common chronic inflammatory skin conditions in children, typically appearing before age 5, and often within the first year of life.
Genetics matter: Eczema tends to run in families with a history of atopic conditions like asthma, allergies, or eczema itself.
Can they outgrow it? Yes — many children improve as they age, and some outgrow eczema entirely. However, others can continue to experience flares into adolescence or adulthood.
How to know it’s eczema: Look for persistent dry, itchy, red patches on elbows, behind the knees, cheeks, wrists, or hands. Itching that disrupts sleep or daily comfort is a hallmark.
When to see a doctor? Please consult a pediatrician or dermatologist if the itching disrupts sleep, areas ooze or crust, or over-the-counter care isn’t helping. These professionals can confirm the diagnosis and tailor treatment plans.
5 Tips for Caring for Children with Eczema
1. Keep Baths Short and Lukewarm
Hot water strips natural oils from fragile skin, increasing dryness and irritation. Use lukewarm water and limit bath time to 5–10 minutes.
- Gentle, fragrance‑free cleansers are best — skip bubble baths or harsh soaps.
- Splash and pat dry instead of rubbing.
Bath & Cleanser Recommendations
2. Moisturize + Protective Ointment on Damp Skin
Right after bathing and while the child’s skin is still damp, apply a thick moisturizing cream followed by a protective ointment to lock in hydration. For winter barrier protection, ointments in addition to moisturizers are better than lotions alone. For children sensitive to additives (like in Aquaphor), pure petroleum jelly (Vaseline) is effective.
Moisturizer and Ointment Recommendations
- Vanicream Moisturizing Cream
- CeraVe Baby Lotion
- Vaseline
- Tip: Off-brand Petroleum Jelly works the same and is often cheaper
3. Reapply Moisturizer and Teach The Child to Reapply
Just as we teach kids to wash their hands after the bathroom, teach them to reapply their moisturizer or petroleum jelly after handwashing, before playtime, after being outside, and before bed. This behavioral cue makes adherence easier and makes them part of the routine.
4. Choose Gentle Fabrics
Winter wind and indoor heat strip moisture from the skin. Cover exposed areas with soft and breathable clothing. Avoid rough and fabrics and synthetics. 100% cotton and soft blends reduce friction and irritation.
Base Layer Clothing Recommendations
5. Use Gentle Laundry Products
Research shows that ingredients in common laundry detergents can disrupt the skin’s barrier and increase inflammation in human skin models, especially when they contain aggressive surfactants. For children with eczema, this supports dermatology-guided advice to choose gentler formulas and avoid dyes, fragrances, and harsh chemicals. Look for detergents that are also accepted by the National Eczema Association.
Laundry Detergent Recommendations
- Tide Free & Gentle Liquid Laundry Detergent
- Seventh Generation Sensitive Skin Concentrated Laundry Detergent
Debunking 2 Common Myths
Oatmeal Baths
Oatmeal baths may soothe itch and soften skin because colloidal oatmeal helps protect the barrier and calm inflammation, and studies show ointments with colloidal oat improve symptoms. However, research also shows that oat or other bath additives are not always more effective than regular bathing plus moisturization, and some children might react to food‑based products. Oatmeal baths can help comfort skin but don’t replace consistent moisturizing.
Bleach Baths
Bleach baths have been used in some cases to reduce bacterial colonization and flare severity, but research shows that their benefits are often similar to regular water baths. For most children, everyday strategies like thick moisturizing creams, pure petroleum jelly, and protective clothing are the first-line approaches for winter eczema management.
Final Thoughts
Every bath, every application of cream, and every gentle layer you put on your child helps protect their skin and comfort them. Consistency and care matter more than perfection and building routines that teach your child to participate in their own skin care empowers them and eases the daily management of eczema.
You’ve reached the end of this article. Thanks for reading! Hope you found this helpful.
The information in this article is for informational purposes and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician regarding a medical condition or treatment.
Sources
Herrero-Fernandez, Manuel et al. “Impact of Water Exposure and Temperature Changes on Skin Barrier Function.” Journal of clinical medicinevol. 11,2 298. 7 Jan. 2022, doi:10.3390/jcm11020298
Huang, Jennifer T et al. “Treatment of Staphylococcus aureus colonization in atopic dermatitis decreases disease severity.” Pediatrics vol. 123,5 (2009): e808-14. doi:10.1542/peds.2008-2217
Rinaldi, Arturo O et al. “Household laundry detergents disrupt barrier integrity and induce inflammation in mouse and human skin.” Allergy vol. 79,1 (2024): 128-141. doi:10.1111/all.15891