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Children can develop all sorts of rashes, which are sometimes not serious. However, there are rare conditions that require medical intervention, and I can relate to this given my personal encounter with my child’s eczema condition. Before the paediatrician brought this to my attention in the first few months of her life, I had no idea what eczema was, let alone what later transpired. It so appears that this is a common type of rash in children.

Eczema (sometimes called atopic dermatitis) is a skin condition that presents inflamed, dry, crusty skin. Often genetics and allergies are associated with eczema, occasionally food and environmental allergens. My five-year-old tells me that it is very itchy. But also, the discomfort and aftereffects caused by the itch are often visible to see.

Having a child with eczema is incredibly stressful, more so because flare-ups can occur and subside with no apparent reason. One minute you think they’ve outgrown it, and the next, you’re going through episode of itchy flare-ups. Because eczema is not curable but manageable, parents (and caregivers) are encouraged to keep a diary of a child’s eczema occurrences, recording when and where flares occur and the possible triggers. But let’s be honest, with everything that a new parent goes through, who has time to diarise random occurrences of scratching episodes? It, however, turns out that being observant of situations that trigger eczema flare-ups help reduce the impact on your child’s life. I can attest to this!!

So, here are five tips I learned and practise that helps with managing the child’s eczema:

1. Avoid Excessive Heat

Sweating is one factor that can trigger an eczema flare-up. In my case, the child tends to experience frequent flares during the winter months. A combination of dry air and wearing too many layers of clothing cause sweating that leaves the skin dry and itchy. Moisturising several times a day with thick cream or ointment is recommended to limit the impact. Also, take care not to overdress or overheat, and avoid clothing made of wool and polyester.

2. Choose the Right Clothing

Wool, polyester and synthetic materials are likely to irritate the skin, causing it to itch. Further, you should avoid tight-fitting clothing that may lead to sweating. 100% cotton clothing and bed linen are generally recommended because cotton is soft and great at absorbing sweat. So, the next time you go shopping for your little one, check the labels and look for 100% cotton.

3. Avoid Soaps

Soaps or anything foamy like bubble baths or shower gels dry out the skin. Children with eczema (especially severe cases) should not use soap at all. Instead, substituting emollient as soap is highly recommended.

4. Limit Scratching

This one is difficult with children but important at the same time. Despite how good it may make them feel, scratching can damage the skin and lead to infections. Keeping your child’s nails short or covering their hands with cotton gloves (more applicable to infants) minimise the damage from scratching. Keeping the skin moisturised at all times also helps with the drying of the skin.

5. Over Moisturise

This tip should probably be the first one as it is the most important, at least based on my experience. An unscented and thick moisturising cream or ointments are an essential treatment for eczema. A good cream creates a layer on top of the skin that prevents water from getting out and the skin from drying. These should be applied in large quantities and as often as possible (several times a day). A popular recommendation is that whenever the child’s skin itches, apply more cream or ointment instead of scratching.

There are also medical treatments of eczema that involve steroid ointments and antibiotics. Sometimes parents are encouraged to do allergy tests for the child, especially in extreme cases, because there are foods and environmental conditions such as grass and tree pollens that can trigger eczema. These options should be discussed with your medical practitioner.