Dry Skin and Eczema (Tips and video from Pediatric Partners)

Eczema Care for Children

What is eczema?

Eczema (also called atopic dermatitis) is a common skin condition in children that causes dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. Good skin care and the right treatments can help control symptoms and prevent flares.

Daily Skin Care

  • Bathing: Give your child a short bath (5–10 minutes) every day or every other day using lukewarm water. Use a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser. Avoid soaps with added fragrance, dyes, or essential oils, as these can irritate the skin. After bathing, gently pat the skin dry—do not rub.
  • Moisturizing: Apply a thick, fragrance-free moisturizer to the entire body right after bathing, while the skin is still damp. Moisturize at least once daily, and more often if the skin is very dry. This helps protect the skin barrier and reduces flares.

Lotions, Creams, and Ointments: What’s the Difference?

  • Lotions are thin and contain more water. They are easy to spread but may not be as effective for very dry skin.
  • Creams are thicker, with less water, and are usually a good choice for most children.
  • Ointments (like petroleum jelly) are the thickest and best for very dry or sensitive skin, but can feel greasy.


All types can help if used regularly. The best one is the one your child will use consistently. Choose fragrance-free products

Cleansers and Bath Additives

  • Use only gentle, fragrance-free cleansers. Avoid regular soaps, which can dry out the skin.
  • Adding emollients (moisturizers) or oils to the bath is not proven to help eczema and is not routinely recommended.
  • Baking soda may help if there is hard water but alone is not a treatment. 
  • Fill a tub with lukewarm (not hot) water, as hot water can increase inflammation and make dry skin worse.
  • Sprinkle about 1/4 cup of baking soda into the bathwater and swish it around to help it dissolve.
  • Soak in the bath for a short period, typically 10 to 15 minutes.
  • After the bath, thoroughly rinse your body with cool, fresh water to remove any residue.
  • Gently pat your skin dry with a soft towel, leaving it slightly damp, and immediately apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer to seal in hydration. 
  • A bleach bath is safe for children and adults and can help manage eczema. For best results:
  • Add 1/4 cup of bleach to a 20-gallon bathtub filled with warm water or 1/2 cup to a full tub (standard-sized tub filled to the overflow drainage holes). Use household bleach sold for laundry.
  • Soak from the neck down or just the affected areas of skin for 5 to 10 minutes. Don't rub your eyes.
  • Rinse with water. Gently pat dry with a towel.
  • Apply a generous amount of moisturizer while your skin is still damp.
  • Take a bleach bath once or twice a week.

Medications for Eczema

  • Topical Steroids: These are the main treatment for eczema flares. Apply a thin layer to red, itchy patches as directed by your doctor, usually once or twice daily. The over the counter version of hydrocortisone is a low strength, but there are stronger strengths available by prescription if needed. Do not use more than prescribed, and avoid long-term use on sensitive areas (face, folds, groin) to prevent side effects like thinning skin.
  • Topical Immune Modulators (Calcineurin Inhibitors): Medicines like tacrolimus or pimecrolimus may be used, especially for sensitive areas or if steroids are not suitable. They do not cause skin thinning but may cause mild burning or stinging at first. These are usually approved for children 2 years and older but are sometimes used in younger infants as directed by a dermatologist.
  • Other Medications: For severe eczema not controlled by creams or ointments, your doctor may discuss other options, such as biologic medicines or oral treatments. These are only used in special cases and require close medical supervision by a dermatologist.

General Tips

  • Avoid triggers: Try to identify and avoid things that make your child’s eczema worse, such as certain fabrics, soaps, or foods.
  • Keep nails short: This helps prevent skin damage from scratching.
  • Wet Wraps: For severe flares, your doctor may recommend wet wrap therapy, which involves applying medication and moisturizer, then covering with a damp layer and a dry layer on top.
  • Education and Support: Teaching children to help with their skin care as they grow can improve control and confidence. 
  • Manage Itch: If there is itching, use of a 24-hour antihistamine, such as cetirizine, may help. 

When to Call the Doctor

  • If the skin looks infected (yellow crust, pus, or spreading redness)
  • If eczema is not improving with treatment
  • If you have questions about medications or side effects

With regular care and the right treatments, most children with eczema can have healthy, comfortable skin.