Managing Eczema in Children: 4 Tips for Parents

By Dr. Peter Lio (bio below)

1. Stop the Itch-Scratch Cycle

One of my favorite techniques to help a child stop scratching is to do a “Skin Reset”. The idea is that if the itch-scratch cycle is getting out of control, you can hit the “reset” button by doing the following:

  • Give a short bath or shower in lukewarm water. Learn about natural bathing suggestions in Finding Eczema Relief: Bleach Bath Alternatives.
  • Gently pat dry and then immediately apply their medication (if necessary) followed by a liberal amount of moisturizer.

This is a powerful way to help wash off any allergens and irritants that may be worsening things, helps to super-hydrate the skin.

ScratchSleeves with Scratch Mittens are also a helpful tool for parents managing eczema in children. I recommend ScratchSleeves for nighttime use as they could potentially affect motor development if used too often during the day.

2. Use Wet Wraps Like A Pro

Wet wraps can be tough and a lot of work. A good tip is to remember “local” wraps. If it’s just elbows and knees, you can take an old (but clean!) cotton sock and cut off the toe part so you have a tube-shape. Or try these Eczema Sleeves. You can then apply the medication to the area, get the tube or sleeve damp, and apply that to the local areas. This makes it far less messy and difficult and feels great. A big part of the wet wrap is the cooling sensation from the evaporation and this works just as well locally. Try Cotton Comfort pjs as the dry layer. 

For more information, check out What Is Wet Wrap Therapy?

3. Empower Children With Eczema

I think that eczema can really hurt someone’s self esteem, so we need to call upon families, friends, teachers and community leaders to help us support them and send positive feedback and messages their way. Talking with teachers at the start of the school year about the eczema and, in some cases, maybe even doing a presentation to the class about eczema, can really help with some of the teasing and exclusion that can happen with some peers. Read about Students Who Suffer From Child Eczema Have Lowered Self Esteem due to Bullying and Tools for School. There is a great Tools for Schools guide there for you to read up on.

To remind your child how amazing and strong they are and that eczema does not define him, watch The Eczema Song together.

4. Don’t Tackle Eczema Alone, Find Support

This is a huge issue–eczema affects more than just the patient and often the entire family suffers along. Support groups may sound hokey, but are an incredible resource to help deal with this and maintaining sanity. The National Eczema Association has amazing resources and a support group network around the country. Getting involved can help in so many ways, and by meeting others in the same situation, both families realize that they are not alone!

 

Lio Headshot Final

Bio: Dr. Peter Lio is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Dermatology and Pediatrics at Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine. He is the co-founder and co-director of the Chicago Integrative Eczema Center and very passionate about finding safe treatments that work for eczema. Dr. Lio received his medical degree from Harvard Medical School, completed his internship at Boston Children’s Hospital and his dermatology training at Harvard. He has had formal training in acupuncture under Kiiko Matsumoto and David Euler, and has held a long interest in alternative medicines. He currently serves on the Scientific Advisory Board for the National Eczema Association. His clinical office is located at Medical Dermatology Associates of Chicago.

3 Comments

  1. Hunter's mom on October 17, 2015 at 1:10 am

    I use wet wraps but am worried about overdrying the skin. Can anyone give some tips on how to avoid this? How many days in row would you recommend doing this before giving skin a break? How soon should you see an effect on red angry skin?

    • Jennifer Roberge on October 21, 2015 at 7:30 am

      Hi there – If you’re concerned, I would definitely speak with an allergist or dermatologist first. But, in general, you only want to do the wraps for 2-3 days in a row. And you should see an effect after doing it 1-2 times the first day. Good luck!

  2. 5 ways to treat eczema in kids this winter on December 18, 2017 at 4:53 am

    Thanks for sharing the best information about Tips for Parents On Managing Eczema In Children and suggestions they very nice and very useful to us. You made a good site it’s very interesting one.I am satisfied with your site and also your information.

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