Give a SHORT daily lukewarm bath of 5-10 minutes with a mild soap.  Aveeno bath treatment, Cetaphil lotion, Dove soap, Aquaphor soap are all good choices.  Don’t rub with a washcloth – this can lead to irritation.

Immediately after the bath, pat the child relatively dry, then apply medication to the damp skin using the following guidelines:  

Mild Eczema (Skin is dry with little redness or irritation):

• Facial Eczema
  • Apply lotion 4-6x/day all over the face
  • Apply Hydrocortisone 0.5% – 1% 2x/day in addition to the above lotion
• Body Eczema
  • Apply lotion 4-6x/day all over the body
  • Apply Hydrocortisone 0.5% – 1% 2x/day in addition to the above lotion

Moderate Eczema (Skin is beginning to get redder with more irritation):

 

• Facial Eczema
  • Apply lotion 4-6x/day all over the face
  • To all RED areas apply Hydrocortisone 1% 2x/day for 2 weeks
  • Apply antibiotic ointment (Neosporin) to all infected looking areas 2x/day
• Body Eczema
  • Apply lotion 4-6x/day all over the body
  • To all RED areas apply Triamcinolone 0.1% ointment or cream 2x/day for 2 weeks
  • Apply antibiotic ointment (Neosporin) to all infected looking areas 2x/day

Severe Eczema (Skin is red, irritated, hot, and looks infected):

Come to the office as soon as possible.  Your child will likely need oral medications in addition to the topical medications you are using.

Any of the following lotions are good choices:  VASELINE, Lubriderm, Nutraderm, Eucerin, Aveeno, Cetaphil, Aquaphor and Petroleum Jellies

The best clothes for eczema are 100% cotton.  Avoid wool.

Avoid irritating factors in soaps, detergents, fabric softeners, dryer sheets, dyes, or perfumes.  Use a Hypoallergenic Detergent – Dreft Detergent or Allergy Free ALL are good choices.

When the child is itchy/scratching take Claritin (OTC) in the morning and take Benadryl (OTC) or Atarax (Prescription) at night.  Trim nails on a regular basis to minimize scratch injury.

Keep air conditioner at 76 degrees (if possible) to avoid excessive sweat irritation.

With tough eczema cases, a 2x/week diluted bleach bath can help clear the skin of unwanted bacteria and keep the skin clearer and less itchy. [Mix 1 tablespoon of Clorox bleach with 2 quarts of water and pour onto body from neck down, wait 5 minutes then wash off].

Remember that eczema is a chronic condition and will come and go for several months/years.