It sounds like the old riddle about a newspaper \u2013 what\u2019s black and white and read all over? \u2013 but a bit different. What\u2019s red and itchy and dry all over? Eczema!<\/p>\n
Eczema can be explained simply by saying it\u2019s chronic, sensitive, dry skin. If your child has eczema, accepting the chronic nature of it can help. Think of it like another chronic condition, asthma. It\u2019s part of your child for now (some kids do grow out of it) and while we can\u2019t make it go away, you\u00a0can keep it under control.<\/p>\n
Kids with eczema have more sensitive skin. The eczema may lessen when you carefully avoid using bath and laundry soaps with scent or dyes. Skip the fabric softener. Wash all clothes, bedding, and towels the same way.<\/p>\n
Most kids with eczema don\u2019t have food allergies. If they do, the allergic reaction to a specific food is pretty clear \u2013 it increases soon after it\u2019s eaten. If you suspect an allergy, talk to your pediatrician about testing.<\/p>\n
To control the dryness, be sure to lubricate your child\u2019s skin from head to toe twice a day. You should think of skin as one big organ \u2013 don\u2019t just spot treat but lube your kiddo\u00a0all\u00a0over. Use the greasiest product they\u2019ll put up with. Petroleum jelly is a great option \u2013 except few kids go for it! Lots of kids hate lotions, but you might try different products (without dye or fragrance) to find one they\u2019ll accept. Avoid food-based oils \u2013 like coconut oil. These can trigger worsened eczema in kids with sensitive skin!<\/p>\n
I recommend looking at their skin twice a day. Areas that are flared up \u2013 that look redder or constantly scratched \u2013 need a medicine before the moisturizer. For mild eczema, you can try over-the-counter (OTC) 1% hydrocortisone cream. Apply it to the bad patches, wait a few minutes for it to soak in, then spread on the lotion. If hydrocortisone cream hasn\u2019t helped after a week, talk with your pediatrician (no need to head in to the office \u2013 just schedule a\u00a0video visit<\/a>). No matter what medicine \u2013 prescription or OTC \u2013 be sure to use it for no longer than your doctor recommends, as some of them can cause damage with prolonged use.<\/p>\n Eczema is often super itchy, so follow the above steps for relief. In the meantime, consider using an OTC oral antihistamine for kids over 4. Look for a nondrowsy version for the daytime (like Claritin or Zyrtec) and a sedating one (like Benadryl) at night. For younger children, check in with your doctor first. It\u2019s important to stop the itch, since the more one scratches the itchier skin gets. If a kid is scratching, they can break the surface of the skin and cause infections. It also helps to keep their nails trimmed very short.<\/p>\n Finally, if all this fails and your child still has uncontrolled eczema, please let us know. There are more treatments and medicines we can use \u2013 no child should be red and\u00a0itchy and dry all over!<\/p>\n Find more resources for parents If you have an emergency medical condition, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital. An emergency medical condition is any of the following: (1) a medical condition that manifests itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity (including severe pain) such that you could reasonably expect the absence of immediate medical attention to result in serious jeopardy to your health or body functions or organs; (2) active labor when there isn\u2019t enough time for safe transfer to a Plan hospital (or designated hospital) before delivery, or if transfer poses a threat to your (or your unborn child\u2019s) health and safety, or (3) a mental disorder that manifests itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity such that either you are an immediate danger to yourself or others, or you are not immediately able to provide for, or use, food,\u00a0shelter, or clothing, due to the mental disorder. This information is not intended to diagnose health problems or to take the place of specific medical advice or care you receive from your physician or other health care professional. If you have persistent health problems, or if you have additional questions, please consult with your doctor. If you have questions or need more information about your medication, please speak to your pharmacist. Kaiser Permanente does not endorse the medications or products mentioned. Any trade names listed are for easy identification only.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" It sounds like the old riddle about a newspaper \u2013 what\u2019s black and white and read all over? \u2013 but a bit different. What\u2019s red and itchy and dry all over? 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\nMy Doctor Online:
\nEczema<\/a>
\nOver-the-Counter Allergy Medications: Pediatric Dosing Guide<\/a><\/p>\n