Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a common skin condition that affects millions of children and teens across the U.S. It causes dry, itchy, inflamed skin that can interfere with sleep, school, sports, and self-confidence. If you’re a parent navigating your child’s eczema, you’re not alone, and there are proven treatments and strategies to help bring relief.
At Columbia Skin Clinic, we regularly see pediatric eczema in patients ranging from infants to adolescents. Understanding the condition and how to manage it effectively is key to minimizing flares and improving your child’s quality of life.
What Is Eczema?
Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes the skin to become dry, itchy, and easily irritated. It often appears as red or scaly patches and may ooze or crust over during flare-ups. While eczema can occur anywhere on the body, it’s most common on the face, hands, elbows, knees, and behind the ears.
In many cases, eczema runs in families and is linked to other allergic conditions like asthma and hay fever. Children with eczema often have a disrupted skin barrier, which allows moisture to escape and irritants to enter.
What Triggers Eczema in Kids?
Understanding your child’s eczema triggers can help you reduce flare-ups. Common culprits include:
- Dry air and seasonal changes
- Harsh soaps and fragrances
- Sweat and heat
- Allergens like pollen, pet dander, and dust mites
- Certain fabrics (like wool or polyester)
- Emotional stress
Keeping a journal of flare-ups can help you and your dermatologist identify patterns and tailor a treatment plan accordingly.
How to Treat Eczema in Children and Teens
Eczema requires a long-term management approach, not just reacting when symptoms appear. Here are some key components of effective treatment:
1. Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize
Dry skin is both a symptom and a trigger of eczema. Moisturizing multiple times a day helps repair the skin barrier and prevent future irritation.
Dermatologist-recommended options at Columbia Skin Clnic include:
For best results, apply moisturizer within 3 minutes of bathing to lock in hydration.
2. Use Gentle Cleansers
Skip the heavily scented body washes and opt for fragrance-free, soap-free cleansers that won’t strip the skin.
Try:
Baths should be lukewarm (not hot) and kept short, around 10 minutes.
3. Target Inflammation with Prescription Treatments
When over-the-counter remedies aren’t enough, your dermatologist may prescribe:
- Topical corticosteroids (short-term use)
- Non-steroid creams like calcineurin inhibitors
- Oral antihistamines to reduce nighttime itching
- Wet wrap therapy for severe flare-ups
We recommend visiting one of our board-certified dermatologists at Columbia Skin Clinic for a customized treatment plan, especially if your child’s eczema is moderate to severe.
4. Watch for Signs of Infection
Children with eczema are more prone to skin infections due to open scratches or cracks. If you notice yellow crusting, oozing, increased redness, or swelling, contact your provider right away.
Helping Teens with Eczema Manage Stress
Teenagers may feel especially self-conscious about visible eczema or scarring. Stress can also worsen eczema symptoms. Encourage open communication, consider support groups or counseling if needed, and reinforce that eczema is a medical condition, not something to be ashamed of.
When to See a Dermatologist
If your child’s eczema is:
- Not responding to over-the-counter creams
- Causing sleep disturbances
- Leading to skin infections
- Affecting their daily life or mental health
…it’s time to schedule a visit. At Columbia Skin Clinic, our experienced team offers expert pediatric dermatology care, working closely with families to create manageable routines and long-term results.
Ready for Healthier Skin?
Living with eczema can be challenging, but with the right care and support, your child can experience relief. Whether you need guidance for newborn eczema or teen flare-ups, we’re here to help.
📅 Book your consultation today at Columbia Skin Clinic and discover the difference expert dermatologic care can make.
