Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)

Skin affected by eczema:  

• Does not block allergens (such as dust mite droppings) well 
• Does not fight bacteria on the skin (such as staphylococcus aureus) effectively 
• Is hypersensitive to allergens and germs 
• Does not fight some skin viruses well (such as Herpes Simplex, the “cold sore” virus) 

This can cause:  

• Dry skin 
• Growth of germs on the skin 
• Flares of itching and rash 
• Severe skin infections 
• Scratch–itch–scratch cycles (scratching can become a habit) 

Eczema may be treated with prescription skin ointments, oral medications, or both. 

Creams and ointments  

• Usually contain small amounts of cortisone to calm the skin’s reaction to allergens
• Stronger creams may be prescribed for short periods if needed
• Use a tongue depressor to remove cream from the jar to prevent germs
• Apply a thin layer and rub into problem areas twice daily 

Antihistamines  

• Oral medications that may be prescribed
• Can help improve sleep when itching causes nighttime waking 

Antibiotics  

• May be needed to treat skin infections 

Aftercare / What to do at home 

Keeping eczema under control 

Bathing  

• Take lukewarm baths or showers 3–7 times per week 
• Use a mild skin cleanser (for example, Dove® unscented soap) 
• Pat skin dry with a towel, leaving skin slightly damp 

Clothing  

• Wear cotton clothing whenever possible 
• Avoid wool or rough fabrics 
• Wear loose, light clothing in summer 
• Have two pairs of winter boots (keep one dry) 
• Wear leather shoes 
• Use rubber gloves for wet work (over cotton gloves if possible) 

Moisturizing  

• Apply moisturizer to damp skin after bathing 
• This traps moisture and helps keep allergens and germs out 
• Avoid products with perfume, urea, or alpha‑hydroxyl acids 

Helpful products may include:  

• Aveeno® 
• Glaxal Base® 
• Cliniderm® 
• Vaseline Creamy® 
• Cetaphil® cream 
• Petroleum jelly 

Dust mites Dust mite droppings can worsen eczema

• Vacuum bedroom carpets daily (or replace with smooth flooring if possible) 
• Use special mattress and pillow covers (Vital Aire®) with cotton liners 
• Change furnace filters every 3–4 months 
• Wash sheets and mattress covers weekly 

Sunscreen If regular sunscreen irritates your child’s skin, try:  

• Neutrogena® SPF 30 for sensitive skin 
• Aveeno® SPF 25–50 

Swimming  

• Bathe or shower immediately after swimming 
• Pat skin dry and apply moisturizer while skin is still damp 

Habit reversal  

• Helpful for older children 
• Children learn to notice scratching and replace it with less damaging actions (such as moisturizing or gentle pinching) 

For more severe eczema Your doctor may recommend: 

• Infection‑control baths:
  • Add ¼ to ½ cup bleach to a half full bathtub
  • Soak for 5–10 minutes, twice weekly

• Overnight wet wraps applied after moisturizers and medicated creams 

Contact your health care provider if: 

• Eczema flares are not improving 
• Skin shows signs of infection 
• Scratching is interfering with sleep or daily activities 

• Coping With Eczema
• Eczema Society of Canada