Eczema is a common skin problem in toddlers. It affects as many as one in every 10 young children, according to Kids Health, a non-profit informational site produced by the Nemours Foundation. Most kids outgrow it by the age of 2 or 3, and others before they become teenagers. In the meantime, you can treat the itchy, dry red rashes at home by following several steps.
Avoid Triggers
"The first step in treating eczema is to identify the precipitating event or trigger and avoid it if possible," says pediatrician Alan Greene. That includes not making your toddler sweaty or itchy--don't wrap her in blankets, put her to bed in a blanket sleeper or dress her in wool, and stick to cotton clothing; turn undergarments inside-out so the seams don't scratch. Cut allergenic foods from her diet like eggs, cow's milk, citrus and peanuts, but make sure she drinks plenty of water to stay hydrated. Also reduce or eliminate household allergens like dust and pet dander, and switch to laundry detergent that's made for sensitive skin. Keep her nails trimmed short to avoid irritation from scratching, and put light cotton mitts or socks on her hands at night if she scratches in her sleep.
Bathe Daily
"The aim for toddler and baby eczema is to keep the skin soft and moist," says New Zealand Dr. Maud Meates-Dennis, founder of the Baby Medical Questions and Answers website. She advises a daily warm bath, being sure the water isn't too hot because heat can cause itching. Wash your toddler with a bath oil and soap substitute to prevent the dryness caused by soap, and use a bath mat to avoid the slipping these products can cause. She also suggests adding an antiseptic twice a week, such as 1 1/2 oz. of household bleach in a 4-inch bath; just be careful not to get any on towels, clothes or bedding that you don't want discolored. If your child's doctor says it's OK, you can add an oatmeal soaking product. However, some toddlers with eczema can't even tolerate a bath, so you may have to use a water-free mild cleanser like Cetaphil instead, says Greene.
Treat with Cream or Ointment
"Topical corticosteroids, also called cortisone or steroid creams or ointments, are commonly used to treat eczema," reports Kids Health. These creams are applied to the affected skin to reduce redness and inflammation, but should be mild for toddlers--no more than 1 percent hydrocortisone, especially if it's going on a sensitive area like the face, says Meates-Dennis. For parents who prefer nonsteroid medications, numerous alternate creams and ointments are available over the counter or in health food stores. Additional treatments a doctor may prescribe include antihistamines to control itch and antibiotics, either taken orally or applied topically, to treat or prevent common secondary infections. Cool compresses can also help reduce itching.
Moisturize
Immediately after your toddler's bath, pat him dry and apply an alcohol-free moisturizer or emollient such as petroleum jelly, or wait 20 minutes after you've applied a treatment cream. You can keep the moisturizer in the refrigerator so the coolness soothes his skin. Use a spoon to scoop the moisturizer from the tub so you're not putting your own germs in it. Apply it in a thick layer with a downward motion, but don't rub it in--let it absorb into the skin on its own.
