 Keeping eczema under control
Emollients are the mainstay therapy used by doctors and dermatologists in the treatment of eczema, and should form the basis of regular daily treatment for childhood eczema.
Normal skin has an oily layer which controls moisture loss. Children with eczema have a defective oily layer and excessive moisture loss causes itchiness and irritation. Emollients leave an oily layer on the skin which repairs the barrier reducing moisture loss and rehydrating the skin. Roughness and scaling are reduced, and itching and irritation are relieved.
Children with eczema should have an emollient bath using a suitable emollient, such as OILATUM Junior, at least once and preferably twice a day.
Bath emollients are widely prescribed by doctors to treat eczema. They are formulated to work with the bath water to rehydrate and moisturise the skin. The water penetrates the skin and is then sealed in by the emollient, which creates a protective barrier. Bathing helps keep the skin free from crusts and scales, which in turn helps to prevent infection. Soaking in a warm bath for 10-20 minutes will give the full benefit of the emollient in a convenient all-over body treatment. An emollient cream, such as OILATUM Cream, should be used between bathing, whenever required, to soothe irritation and so help prevent scratching.
Treating eczema flare-ups
So long as the eczema is under control, emollient treatments may well be enough to maintain control, by keeping the skin moisturised, and relieving irritation and itching. However, most children will suffer from eczema flare-ups from time to time. Areas of skin then become red and inflamed. Flare-ups can be made worse by bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus, which live in large numbers on the skin of atopic eczema sufferers.
Your GP may also prescribe a topical steroid cream or ointment, such as hydrocortisone, to be applied to inflamed areas.
If the inflammation leads to infection, an antibiotic may be prescribed.
Itching at night can be a serious problem if it prevents your child from sleeping, and your doctor may then prescribe an antihistamine medicine to help the child (and you!) get a good night's sleep.
If your child's eczema is very severe, and does not respond to normal treatments, your Health Visitor or GP will be able to advise you about treatments such as wet wraps, and alternative therapies which may help.
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