Atopic dermatitis - children - homecare
Description
Atopic dermatitis is a long-term (chronic) skin disorder that causes scaly and itchy rashes. It's also called eczema. The condition is due to a hypersensitive skin reaction that is similar to an allergy. It may also be caused by variations in certain proteins in the surface of the skin. This leads to ongoing inflammation of the skin.
Atopic dermatitis is most common in infants and children. It may start as early as age 2 to 6 months. Many children outgrow it by early adulthood.
This condition can be difficult to regulate in children, so it's important to work closely with your child's health care provider. Daily skin care is important to help prevent flare-ups and keep the skin from being inflamed.
Alternative Names
Infantile eczema; Dermatitis - atopic children; Eczema - atopic - children
Help for Itching and Scratching
Severe itching is common. Itching may start even before the rash appears. Atopic dermatitis is often called the "itch that rashes" because the itching starts, and then the skin rash follows, sometimes partly as a result of scratching.
To help your child avoid scratching:
- Use a moisturizer, topical steroid cream, barrier repair cream, or other medicine your child's provider prescribes.
- Keep your child's fingernails cut short. Have them wear light gloves while sleeping if scratching at night is a problem.
- Give antihistamines or other medicines by mouth as prescribed by your child's provider.
- As much as possible, teach older children not to scratch itchy skin.
Day-to-Day Skin Care
Daily skin care with allergen-free products may cut down on the need for medicines.
Use moisturizing ointments (such as petroleum jelly), creams, or lotions. Choose skin products that are made for people with eczema or sensitive skin. These products do not contain alcohol, scents, dyes, and other chemicals. Having a humidifier to keep air moist will also help.
Moisturizers and emollients work best when they are applied to skin that is wet or damp. After washing or bathing, pat the skin dry and then apply the moisturizer right away. Your provider may also recommend placing a dressing over these skin moisturizing ointments to increase their effects.
When washing or bathing your child:
- Bathe less often and keep water contact as brief as possible. Short, cooler baths are better than long, hot baths.
- Use gentle skin care cleansers rather than traditional soaps, and use them only on your child's face, underarms, genital areas, hands, and feet.
- Do not scrub or dry the skin too hard or for too long.
- Right after bathing, apply lubricating cream, lotion, or ointment while skin is still damp to trap moisture.
Dress your child in soft, comfortable clothing, such as cotton clothes. Have your child drink plenty of water. This may help add moisture to the skin.
Teach older children these same tips for skin care.
The rash itself, as well as the scratching, often causes breaks in the skin and may lead to infection. Keep an eye out for redness, warmth, swelling, or other signs of infection. Contact your child's provider at the first sign of infection.
Avoid Triggers
The following triggers can make atopic dermatitis symptoms worse:
- Allergies to pollen, mold, dust mites, or animals
- Cold and dry air in the winter
- Colds or the flu
- Contact with irritants and chemicals
- Contact with rough materials, such as wool
- Dry skin
- Emotional stress
- Getting too hot or too cold, as well as sudden changes of temperature
- Perfumes or dyes added to skin lotions or soaps
- Taking frequent baths or showers and swimming often, which can dry out skin
To prevent flare-ups, try to avoid:
- Foods, such as eggs, that may cause an allergic reaction in a very young child. Always discuss with your provider first.
- Wool, lanolin, and other scratchy fabrics. Use smooth, textured clothing and bedding, such as cotton.
- Sweating. Be careful not to over dress your child during warmer weather.
- Strong soaps or detergents, as well as chemicals and solvents.
- Sudden changes in body temperature, which may cause sweating and worsen your child's condition.
- Stress. Watch for signs that your child feels frustrated or stressed and teach them ways to reduce stress such as taking deep breaths or thinking about things they enjoy.
- Triggers that cause allergy symptoms. Do what you can to keep your home free of allergy triggers such as mold, dust, and pet dander.
- Skin care products that contain alcohol.
Using moisturizers, creams, or ointments every day as directed may help prevent flares.
Medicines From the Doctor
Antihistamines taken by mouth may help if allergies cause your child's itchy skin. These medicines are often available over the counter and do not require a prescription. Ask your child's provider what kind is right for your child.
Atopic dermatitis is usually treated with medicines placed directly on the skin or scalp. These are called topical medicines:
- Your provider will probably prescribe a mild steroid cream or ointment at first, such as hydrocortisone. Topical steroids contain a hormone that helps calm your child's skin when it is swollen or inflamed. Your child may need a stronger medicine if this does not work.
- Medicines that regulate the immune system of the skin called topical immunomodulators may also be recommended.
- Moisturizers and creams containing ceramides that restore the barrier of the skin are also helpful.
Other treatments that may be used include:
- Antibiotic creams or pills if your child's skin is infected.
- Medicines that suppress the immune system to decrease inflammation.
- Phototherapy, a treatment in which your child's skin is carefully exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light.
- Short-term use of systemic steroids (steroids given by mouth or through a vein as an injection).
- A biologic injection called dupilumab (Dupixent) may be used for moderate to severe atopic dermatitis.
Your child's provider will tell you how much of these medicines to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than the provider says.
When to Call the Doctor
Contact your child's provider if:
- Atopic dermatitis does not get better with home care
- Symptoms get worse or treatment does not work
- Your child has signs of infection, such as redness, pus or fluid-filled bumps on skin, fever, or pain
References
Dinulos JGH. Atopic dermatitis. In: Dinulos JGH, ed. Habif's Clinical Dermatology. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 5.
McAleer MA, Irvine AD. Atopic dermatitis. In: Bolognia JL, Schaffer JV, Cerroni L, eds. Dermatology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 12.
Reviewed By: Elika Hoss, MD, Assistant Professor of Dermatology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
