Treating Atopic Dermatitis in Infants and Children

Tips for caring for skin problems in a baby or young child.

These 9 tips help you take care of your baby, toddler or young child who has eczema or atopic dermatitis.

1. Give lukewarm baths.
2. Apply lubricant immediately following the bath.
3. Keep child's fingernails filed short.
4. Select soft cotton fabrics when choosing clothing.
5. Consider using sedating antihistamines to promote sleep and reduce scratching at night.
6. Keep the child cool; avoid situations where overheating occurs.
7. Learn to recognize skin infections and seek treatment promptly.
8. Attempt to distract the child with activities to keep him or her from scratching.
9. Identify and remove irritants and allergens.

From the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)