How to Treat Childhood Eczema

Childhood eczema is a widespread condition. Symptoms appear as scaly, red patches on the skin that itch. The itchy feeling is highly irritating to many children and one of the hardest symptoms to treat. Eczema typically presents itself on the face, neck, and in the creases of the arms and legs. Eczema is a problem of skin dryness, so keeping your child's skin moist and hydrated is one of your top priorities. There is no cure for childhood eczema, but there are things that you can do to alleviate the symptoms. See your child's pediatrician for a diagnosis and any prescription medications. There are things you can do at home, however, that are inexpensive and easy to do.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Prescribed steroidal or non-steroidal creams
• Benadryl
• Petroleum jelly

1. Know the symptoms. Childhood eczema is not like other rashes as it scaly, red, and raised. Often the patches will ooze and weep. Children feel itchy and uncomfortable. Eczema will present on the face, neck, in the armpits, elbows and behind the knees.
2. See your pediatrician. If you think that your child has eczema, make an appointment with her doctor. The physician will complete a full examination. Because rashes can mimic each other, it is best that a doctor diagnose the problem.
3. Use prescribed medications. Your pediatrician will probably prescribe a topical cream. These creams typically are steroidal, but there are now medications that are non-steroidal. Use these creams as prescribed and if you have any questions, see your pharmacist or doctor.
4. Give your child an antihistamine. Over the counter antihistamines, like Benadryl, help with itching. If your child is itchy, give her one dose of Benadryl. See your pediatrician for required dosage amounts if you are not sure what to do.
5. Draw a warm bath. Baths greatly help children with eczema. Run a warm bath and let your child soak in it for 15 to 20 minutes. The bath will moisten your child's skin. Remember that childhood eczema is a problem of skin dryness. Using mild soap is okay. After your child is through bathing, pat him dry and do not rub the affected areas.
6. Apply petroleum jelly. Believe it or not, petroleum jelly is a great way to help your child's eczema. If you use prescribed steroidal creams, apply those first, and then put the jelly on top. If you have not seen the doctor yet, apply the jelly directly on the eczema patches. Petroleum jelly seals moisture in the skin and is very useful in treating this condition.
7. Instruct your child. Tell your child not to scratch the eczema patches. This may be the most difficult step, but if you follow your doctor's instruction, use prescribed medications, and give your child Benadryl when she is itchy, you probably can keep your youngster from scratching. Scratching can lead to sores and infection.
8. Purchase over the counter medications. If you have not seen the doctor, you can buy over the counter anti-itch and hydrocortisone creams. Apply and use as directed. Ask your pharmacist for help if you have questions.
9. Watch for allergies and reactions. Because your child's skin is so sensitive, use mild soaps for bathing and clothes washing. Be careful that you use only hypo-allergenic or mild cleansers and dryer sheets. If your child experiences a reaction, treat with Benadryl and call your physician.

Tips & Warnings

• Use only mild or gentle soaps to bathe your child and wash his clothes.
• See your doctor immediately if your child has sores that are pus-filled, ooze or drain yellow or green liquid, and is running a fever. This may be signs of an infection that needs immediate treatment.