If your child is struggling with the itchy skin, spots and rashes of atopic dermatitis, more commonly known as eczema, then they are not alone. About 9.6 million children in the U.S. and 15-20% of children globally experience symptoms from the condition. Eczema is more prevalent in children than adults, and it is the most common skin condition among young people worldwide.

While eczema is common, that doesn’t make it any easier for parents trying to comfort a child who is itchy, in pain, or feeling self-conscious about their rashes. Fortunately, the good news is that childhood eczema is highly treatable. With the guidance of a doctor and an effective treatment plan, most cases can be well-managed.

What Parents Should Look For

Unlike some other childhood conditions, one good thing about eczema is that if your child has it, it’s usually easy to spot. Some of the telltale signs and symptoms include:

• A red, dark brown, purple or gray rash, depending on skin color

• Dry, scaly areas

• Itchy skin

• Raw skin or marks from scratching

• Bumps, rashes or blisters that leak fluid

• Skin that feels warm or swollen

In babies, the rash is common on the face but can also appear elsewhere on the body. Between the ages of 1 and 5, patches around the elbows and knees may appear, and then the mouth, eyes, arms or hands. These areas, as well as the neck and eyelids, tend to get impacted as the child grows older than age 5.

When to See a Doctor

If you suspect your child may have eczema based on the signs and symptoms mentioned, it’s important to consult your pediatrician as soon as possible. They can diagnose the condition, refer you to an allergist or dermatologist if necessary, and help develop an appropriate treatment plan. Most cases of eczema respond well to a combination of medications and at-home strategies, and your doctor will guide you through the steps to create an effective action plan. The sooner you begin treating your child’s eczema, the better the results are likely to be.

Typically, the first line of prescription treatment for eczema is a topical cream that’s applied to the skin. These are often steroid based, but other options are available. Additional prescription treatments for eczema include light therapy or cutting-edge systemic treatments such as dupilumab (Dupinxent), upadacitinib (Rinvoq) or abrocitinib (Cibinqo).

At-Home Strategies

Medication is just one part of the eczema treatment strategy. Your approach at home can also go a long way toward alleviating your child’s rash, itchiness and other symptoms. For example, we recommend bathing or showering your child every day with a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic cleanser and gently patting them dry afterward. Then apply a fragrance-free moisturizing cream to lock in moisture and reduce dryness.

One challenge with younger children is their tendency to scratch, and it can be difficult to get them to stop. You can help by dressing them in soft, non-irritating fabrics, such as 100% cotton, and using mild, fragrance-free laundry detergents. If you can’t get them to stop scratching, measures like keeping their nails trimmed short or having them wear cotton gloves while they sleep can help.

Getting a Handle on Eczema

Although childhood eczema cannot be completely cured or prevented, staying consistent with at-home care and following a prescribed medication routine can often keep symptoms under control — and greatly improve your child’s comfort. For many children, eczema symptoms tend to improve or even disappear as they grow older.