Hampshire & Surrey Children's Clinic

Eczema is a common skin condition is childhood. The skin is typically dry, red and itchy. In babies, the whole body can be affected, especially exposed areas. In older children and teenagers, eczema tends to affect mainly the arms and legs.

Eczema flares up a times, typically with contact with allergenic triggers such as cat hairs, respiratory tract infections, skin infections or cold weather. Not all eczema is triggered by allergens. Where it is, avoiding these allergens can reduce its severity.

Further management then focuses on restoring the integrity of the skin with emollients and, where necessary, using anti-inflammatory medications to control the itch to prevent further skin damage.