Eczema in Babies & Children | Symptoms, Treatment & Triggers

How to recognise, treat and manage eczema in your little one.

eczema on a baby

Eczema is a common skin condition, affecting around 30% of children. While some kids grow out of it, others may experience what’s known as the “atopic triad” — eczema, asthma, and allergies.

Although the link between these three conditions isn’t fully understood, they are all related to inflammation in the body. This doesn’t mean every child with eczema will have asthma or allergies — but the risk is higher.

So how do you recognise eczema, treat flare ups, and manage it long term? Let’s break it down.

What Does Eczema Look Like in Babies and Children?

Eczema often appears as:

• Dry, red, rough patches of skin

• Found in the creases (elbows, knees), cheeks, torso, scalp, or hands

• Itchy and uncomfortable, leading to scratching

• Sometimes widespread across the body

Scratching can break the skin, letting bacteria or viruses in, which can cause infections. Signs of infection include weepy, crusty, or broken patches that may need antibiotics.

If you think your child has eczema, always see your GP for diagnosis and management advice.

Treating Eczema During a Flare Up

When eczema worsens (a “flare up”), it’s important to act quickly.

🛁 Bathing – Daily warm baths with fine pool salt and QV oil. Avoid soaps during flare ups.

🧴 Steroid creams (cortisone) – Use as prescribed, immediately after bathing. Don’t be afraid of steroids — starting them early prevents the eczema from getting harder to control.

🧴 Moisturising – Apply generously and often (up to 4 times per day when flared). Options include QV Intensive, CeraVe, or Dermeeze ointment. Every child is different, so trial and error may be needed.

💧 Bleach baths – Used for severe eczema to kill bacteria, reduce infection risk, and help regain control. The bleach levels are actually lower than a swimming pool. See the RCH bleach bath guide here.

💦 Wet dressings – Help reduce itch, treat infection, maintain hydration, and even improve sleep. They can also reduce how much steroid cream is needed. RCH’s wet dressing guide is here.

Top Tips During Flare Up

• Wash your hands before applying creams.

• Use a pump dispenser or clean spoon for jar creams (avoid contamination).

• Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise.

• Avoid triggers (see below).

• If no improvement within 48 hours of steroids, use wet dressings or seek medical advice.

Daily Management of Eczema

Once eczema is under control, consistent daily management helps prevent flare ups:

• Baths: Daily with soap-free wash, pool salt, and QV oil.

• Moisturiser: Apply twice daily (after bath and in the morning).

• Clothing: Choose light cotton fabrics; avoid wool and scratchy fabrics.

• Washing Powder: Use mild, fragrance-free detergents.

• Environment: Avoid overheating and dry conditions.

Identifying Eczema Triggers

Common triggers include:

• Heat (especially at night)

• Dryness

• “Prickle” clothing like wool or lace

• Food allergies (around 20% of children with eczema also have food allergies)

👉 If you suspect food triggers, keep a food diary and photos of flare ups, and discuss with your health professional before removing foods from your child’s diet.

Wrap up:

Eczema can be tough on both children and parents, but with the right treatment and daily management, most families can get it under control.

• Recognise flare ups early

• Treat with prescribed creams, bleach baths, or wet dressings as needed

• Moisturise daily

• Avoid known triggers

If you’re worried about infection or your child’s eczema isn’t improving, always see your GP.

📖 Helpful resources from Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH):

• Comprehensive eczema booklet

• Bleach bath guide

• Wet dressing guide

FAQs: Eczema in Babies and Children

1. What does eczema look like in babies?Eczema usually appears as red, dry, rough patches, often on the cheeks, arms, legs, or creases.

2. How do I treat my child’s eczema flare up?Use prescribed steroid creams, daily moisturising, and consider bleach baths or wet dressings for severe flare ups.

3. What are common eczema triggers in children?Heat, dryness, scratchy fabrics, and sometimes food allergies can all trigger eczema.

4. Can food cause eczema in babies?Around 20% of children with eczema also have food allergies. If you suspect this, keep a diary and talk to your doctor before cutting out foods.