Eczema Follow-Up Guide: What Parents Need to Know

Understanding Eczema

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a common chronic skin condition in children, characterized by dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. It often begins in infancy or early childhood and can persist into adolescence or adulthood.

Typical Characteristics

  • Chronic and relapsing
  • Often associated with allergies, asthma, or hay fever
  • Often appears on cheeks, scalp, trunk, and extremities in infants; on flexural areas (elbows, knees) in older children

When to Manage at Home

✅ You can manage your child's eczema at home when:

  • Mild symptoms: localized dry, itchy patches without significant redness, swelling, or oozing
  • Child is otherwise well and comfortable
  • No signs of infection (e.g., pus, fever, rapidly spreading redness)

How to Treat at Home 

Moisturizing

  • Apply thick moisturizers (ointment or cream, like Aquaphor or Vaseline) at least twice daily
  • Use immediately after bathing (within 3 minutes)

Bathing Techniques

  • Short (10–15 minute) lukewarm baths
  • Use fragrance-free, non-soap cleansers
  • Pat skin dry, don’t rub
  • For younger children you can avoid using soap every day unless soiled - soap can dry out skin, it’s important to strike a balance between moisture and cleanliness

Avoiding Triggers

  • Use fragrance-free laundry detergents and products
  • Dress child in breathable cotton fabrics
  • Keep fingernails trimmed to prevent scratching

Cool Compresses

  • Can help relieve itching and inflammation.

Wet Wrap Therapy

  • Apply moisturizer and/or topical treatment, then wrap the area with damp cloth and dry layer on top.

Safe Medications

  • Corticosteroids (Hydrocortisone 1% cream OTC) to red/dry/itchy areas twice a day 
    • Do not use on face
    • Do not use more than twice a day for more than 7 days in a row
  • Antihistamines (e.g., Zyrtec) if itching is causing discomfort or disrupting sleep
  • Antibiotic creams (e.g., Bacitracin, Neosporin) if secondary infection is suspected

When to Contact Us Again 

📱 Contact us when:

  • Eczema lasting more than 2-3 weeks without improvement
  • Eczema worsens or doesn’t improve with home care
  • Significant sleep disturbance or impact on daily life
  • You're just not sure and need reassurance

When to Visit Your Pediatrician 

🩺 Go to an in-person appointment when:

  • Eczema lasting more than 1 month without improvement
  • Signs of infection (oozing, crusting, pain, fever)
  • Need for allergy testing

If your gut tells you something is wrong, don't hesitate to reach out. Need help? Reconnect with our on-demand team of medical staff available 24/7.

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