Eczema is a common skin rash in children. The rash may be red, dry, bumpy and look swollen. It may come and go, but it often keeps coming back and is very itchy. In fact, the itching often is so bad that it interferes with sleep.

The exact cause is unknown, but many things can trigger an outbreak, including:
•    Heat and sweat.
•    Cold weather.
•    Dust mites.
•    Pet fur and dander.
•    Grass.
•    Wool and synthetic fabrics like nylon.
•    Fabric dyes.
•    Tobacco smoke.

There is no cure for eczema, which is also called atopic dermatitis, but it can be kept under control. There is no one treatment that works for all patients. Your doctor will select a treatment according to your child’s needs. Following are some tips for controlling eczema:

Moisturizers: Apply moisturizers twice a day and as quickly as possible after bathing, especially while the skin is still damp. Ointments such as petroleum jelly are good choices during the winter. Creams are usually white and thick and also are effective. Lotions are more liquid but the least helpful. Avoid products with added ingredients, such as vitamin E, witch hazel, menthol or acids.

Bathing: bathe your child daily in warm (not hot) water for no longer than 10-15 minutes. Use soap only in areas that get dirty, such as the groin, under the neck and armpits. Pat your child’s skin gently with a towel.

Laundry: Use laundry soaps that are free of fragrance and dye. Never use fabric softeners or dryer sheets.

Clothing: Dress your child in clothing made of soft, natural fibers such as cotton. Avoid wool, nylon and fabrics that feel hard when you touch them.

And, keep your child’s fingernails cut short to help avoid injury and infection from scratching.

Although the tendency to have sensitive skin can continue into adulthood, eczema usually improves and the rashes become less frequent as the child ages.

Valerie Lyon, MD, is a pediatric dermatologist at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin. She also is an assistant professor of Dermatology at the Medical College of Wisconsin. In the Dermatology Clinic she emphasizes patient education and likes to work with families to adopt skin care routines that are tailored to the individual child.

FAST FACT: Did you know that Children's Hospital of Wisconsin has more than 70 outpatient specialty clinics like Dermatology for kids, including Asthma/Allergy, Orthopedics, Ophthalmology, Otolaryngology, Adolescent Health and Medicine and others? Find out more at chw.org.