Tips to manage your child's eczema

Eczema is a pretty common skin condition, but plenty of parents are confused about how best to treat it. Pediatrician Tanya Remer Altmann, MD, offers step-by-step instructions on handling eczema.

Transcript

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While eczema technically can't be cured. Some kids outgrow it. In the meantime, here's what you can do

00:06

to keep your child comfortable. [MUSIC PLAYING]

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Hi, I'm Dr. Altmann. I see lots of patients who have eczema. It's a pretty common skin condition among kids.

00:22

While eczema technically can't be cured, some kids outgrow it.

00:29

In the meantime, here's what you can do to keep your child comfortable. Use laundry detergent that's free of perfumes and dyes.

00:37

Both can worsen eczema. Also avoid fabric softeners. They're not recommended for kids with eczema.

00:45

Choose mild unscented bath soap and keep baths short. After bathing, gently pat your child's skin dry.

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Then slather on a mild unscented ointment or thick cream within three minutes of getting out of the bath.

01:00

That prevents water from evaporating and drying out your child's sensitive skin. Use an unscented ointment or cream twice a day

01:08

to keep your little one's skin hydrated and call the pediatrician when your child's eczema flares up.

01:15

She may prescribe a steroid or non-steroidal cream or an antihistamine to help calm the itching.

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I'm Dr. Altmann. Watch all our smart tips for more ways to raise happy, healthy kids.