Childhood eczema: a complete parent’s guide

Raising a child with eczema can be stressful – careful skincare needs, avoiding triggers, going to medical appointments, and potentially complicated treatments.

ESC turned to Calgary-based paediatric dermatologist Dr. Michele Ramien, MD, FRCPC, FAAD, for insights on managing eczema in children, from infancy through their teenage years and beyond. This includes preparing for the transition of care. 

While many children will outgrow their eczema, some do not. In these cases, parents may need to support their child’s eczema management into young adulthood, when they may assume the responsibility of managing their own care. 

Practical Management Tips from Infancy to Teen Years

Babies and Toddlers

• Characteristics – Eczema commonly appears on cheeks, arms, and legs, and the diaper area is often spared.
• Skin Care – Regular bathing and the application of a moisturizer can help reduce the itch and improve the skin barrier.
• Treatments – There are treatments approved for infants to manage inflammation; a family doctor or a pediatrician can help.
• Ownership of Care – Parents manage all care for infants, and it can be helpful to reduce the burden on caregivers if one caregiver is not managing it alone. A partner, spouse, or grandparent can help manage the care burden.

During infancy, parents manage skin care and treatments, which means that you can often have better control of the process because you are in charge! Remember not to overheat your baby by dressing them in light layers and being mindful of the environment’s warmth.

Expert tip:  Wash your hands before applying moisturizer to avoid introducing allergens or irritants to your baby’s delicate skin.

School-aged children

• Characteristics – Eczema may still appear on the cheeks, arms, and legs and may extend to the flexors (the insides of the arms and the insides of the knees).
• Skin Care – Regular bathing and the application of a moisturizer are still used, but you can begin to transition some care to your child.  
• Treatments – Several treatments are approved for children, including advanced therapies for more severe or widespread eczema.
• Ownership of Care – By school age, children can apply their own moisturizer and even their topical medications with parental supervision. This gives them a great sense of ownership, control, and accomplishment.

As children grow, so can their exposure to triggers. You can start identifying triggers and, when possible, avoiding or managing them. One example is swimming. If a chlorinated swimming pool irritates your child’s eczema, showering after swimming and applying treatment afterward may help.

The teen years

• Characteristics – Eczema can appear anywhere on the body, and facial eczema may become a concern, as it can lead to self-esteem issues related to visible eczema (eczema that is not commonly covered by clothing).
• Skin Care – While skin care remains crucial, teens may resist following a skin care routine and listening to their parents’ or caregivers’ instructions. At this age, it is increasingly important to give teens as much control and autonomy as possible. Allowing them to make healthy, appropriate skin care choices and create their own routines is essential.
• Treatments – The good news is that many treatments are approved for teenagers and adults. A qualified health care provider can take your teen’s treatment goals and preferences into account when prescribing the best treatment to manage your teen’s eczema.
• Ownership of Care – By the teenage years, it is essential to allow your teen to take the lead at medical appointments, engage them in their own skin care and treatment, and grant them independence when caring for their skin. The goal during the teenage years is to prepare them for full independence as they transition into young adults.

Self-esteem becomes increasingly important during the teen years, and mental health supports should be offered to your teen at the earliest signs of distress so that your teen can get the support they need. Not all teens will experience self-esteem or mental health challenges related to their eczema, but many teens do face these issues, even those who don’t have a chronic skin condition.

Eczema Society of Canada thanks dermatologist Michele Ramien, MD, FRCPC, FADD, for her contribution to this educational content.

This content was created as part of the 2025 Life with Eczema educational program.

Disclaimer: Information provided in this resource does not constitute medical advice and is not intended to be used as a diagnostic tool. The information is up-to-date at time of publication. All medications, interventions, and treatment plans have risks and benefits, and it is important that individuals discuss their or their child’s specific healthcare needs with a qualified healthcare professional.