Is your child’s skin dry, red, and itchy this winter? You’re not alone. Eczema is one of the most common skin conditions in children, especially during the colder months when dry air can worsen symptoms.
Managing Childhood Eczema Together: It Takes a Well-Rounded Approach
I’m Dr. Kayla Buker, and I know firsthand how frustrating eczema can be—not just as a pediatrician, but as a parent. My own daughter struggles with eczema, and we’ve spent many hours lathering on moisturizer… only to do it all over again a few hours later.
Let’s break it down together and talk about what eczema really is and how to keep your child’s skin healthy and comfortable.
Isn’t eczema just dry skin?
Not exactly. While dry skin is part of eczema, eczema itself is more than dryness.
It often shows up in infancy or childhood when the skin barrier and immune system are still developing. Eczema is related to a genetic change involving a protein called filaggrin, which helps keep the skin barrier strong. Think of the skin barrier as your body’s first line of defense against the outside world. When that barrier isn’t working well, moisture escapes and irritants sneak in.
This leads to:
- Dry, cracked skin
- Redness and inflammation
- Intense itching
While any child can develop eczema (roughly 10% of children will have eczema at one time in the first ten years), there are certain risk factors that make your child more prone to it, such as:
- A family or personal history of asthma or respiratory allergies.
- Parent(s) with a history of eczema or other skin conditions.
- Food allergies or sensitivities (milk and eggs are common triggers).
- Contact sensitivities (reactions to soap, shampoo, laundry detergent, etc.)
- Stress or anxiety (while these don’t typically cause eczema, they can contribute to flare-ups).
When kids itch, they scratch. Scratching damages the skin even more… which leads to more itching. And just like that, you’re stuck in the itch–scratch cycle.
The goal: break the itch–scratch cycle
Managing eczema comes down to two main goals:
- Calm the inflammation
- Repair and protect the skin barrier
When possible, we’ll try to identify any potential allergies or sensitivities that may be causing eczema outbreaks. Minimizing exposure can be a good first step to keep the inflammatory response at bay.
To calm inflammation, your pediatrician may prescribe a topical steroid. These medications help reduce redness and itching so your child can stop scratching and the skin can heal. Depending on the severity of the eczema, this can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks.
And then comes the most important step…
Moisturize. Then moisturize again.
Moisturizing is the cornerstone of eczema management—and it’s often the hardest part to stick with.
Let’s be honest: when you’re rushing out the door in the morning or wrangling a tired, cranky toddler at bedtime, covering their entire body in cream is not at the top of your wish list. But this step is crucial.
Regular, generous moisturizing helps:
- Restore the skin barrier.
- Prevent future flares.
- Reduce how often steroid medication is needed.
Consistency really does pay off here. You can discuss the best options for moisturizers with your pediatrician (I added my recommendations below).
“But I thought the steroid treated the eczema?”
Topical steroids help treat flares, but eczema itself is a chronic condition.
Some children do outgrow eczema, but many will continue to have flares from time to time. Common triggers include:
- Cold, dry winter air
- Heat and sweat in the summer
- Sunscreen
- Grass and outdoor allergens in the spring
- Elevated stress or anxiety levels.
- Direct contact with allergens.
That’s why daily skin care—even when the skin looks good—is so important.
Why treating eczema matters
Eczema isn’t just a skin issue—it can significantly affect a child’s quality of life.
Persistent itching can disrupt sleep, leading to cranky days (for kids and parents). And when the skin barrier is damaged, there’s a higher risk of skin infections.
If you notice yellow crusting, oozing, or worsening redness, it’s important to have your child seen to determine whether antibiotics are needed.
My go-to moisturizers (mom-tested and pediatrician-approved)
As a mom of a child with eczema, I’ve tried a lot of creams. These are some I have found most effective (not sponsored):
- Aveeno Baby Eczema Therapy
- CeraVe Cream
- Cetaphil Cream
- Aquaphor
- Vanicream
Look for thick creams or ointments (rather than lotions) and apply them at least twice daily—more often during flares. It is also important to make sure your laundry detergent and your child’s soap and shampoo are fragrance-free.
If your little one struggles with moisturizer application, see if there’s a way to make it a game. For example, here is a link to 10 preschool songs about body parts that can make moisturizing time more fun.
When to see us here at PANW
If you’re worried your child may be dealing with eczema, we’re here to help. Call our office, 503-227-0671, or schedule an appointment online through the Patient Portal, and we’ll get you on the right track with a personalized plan.
And remember: Moisturize. Moisturize. Moisturize.
