At a glance
- Eczema itself is not contagious, although affected skin can become infected.
- Use a fragrance-free cream or ointment daily, including when the skin looks clear and after bathing.
- Choose short, lukewarm baths; use a gentle fragrance-free cleanser where needed and avoid scrubbing.
- Use prescribed skin medicines on the areas and for the duration agreed with the clinician. This guide does not select a medicine or dose.
- Do not remove foods solely to treat eczema without clinical advice; unnecessary restrictions can harm nutrition and growth.
- Painful blisters, rapidly worsening skin or signs of infection need prompt assessment; do not rely on a diary score to judge safety.
Everyday skin care
Use a fragrance-free cream or ointment daily, including when the skin looks clear and after bathing.
Choose short, lukewarm baths; use a gentle fragrance-free cleanser where needed and avoid scrubbing.
Medicines and follow-up
Use prescribed skin medicines on the areas and for the duration agreed with the clinician. This guide does not select a medicine or dose.
Arrange review if itching repeatedly disrupts sleep or the agreed treatment is not helping. Ask the clinician before starting wet wraps or bleach baths.
Triggers and food
Heat, sweat, fragrance and rough fabrics can irritate skin. Note individual patterns and keep nails short; a suspected trigger is not proof of an allergy.
Do not remove foods solely to treat eczema without clinical advice; unnecessary restrictions can harm nutrition and growth.
When to seek help
Rapidly worsening, painful eczema with clustered blisters or small open sores needs urgent same-day assessment for possible eczema herpeticum. These changes around the eyes need urgent specialist assessment. Seek emergency help if the child is very unwell or difficult to wake.
Get same-day medical advice for new pus, crusts, weeping or spreading warmth and pain, especially with fever or feeling unwell. If you are unsure whether warning signs are present, ask for medical advice rather than waiting for the next diary entry.
Common questions
Can my child pass eczema to someone else?
Eczema itself is not contagious, although affected skin can become infected.
Should we moisturize when the rash is gone?
Use a fragrance-free cream or ointment daily, including when the skin looks clear and after bathing.
Should we cut foods out to treat eczema?
Do not remove foods solely to treat eczema without clinical advice; unnecessary restrictions can harm nutrition and growth.
Which skin changes need urgent help?
Rapidly worsening, painful eczema with clustered blisters or small open sores needs urgent same-day assessment for possible eczema herpeticum. These changes around the eyes need urgent specialist assessment. Seek emergency help if the child is very unwell or difficult to wake.
Sources
- AAP: Eczema symptoms and causes
- AAP: Treating childhood eczema
- AAD: Skin care for children with eczema
- AAD: Food and eczema
- NICE: Childhood eczema and infection warning signs
Written for Pedemy in our own words from the sources above; checked October 2026. For education only, not medical advice. Pedemy is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by the organizations cited.