Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is one of the most common skin conditions in babies and children — and one of the most distressing for parents to watch. The relentless itching, the disturbed sleep, the flare-ups that seem to come from nowhere, and the frustration of creams that don’t seem to hold. The good news: with the right daily routine and a clear plan, the large majority of children’s eczema can be well controlled, and many children improve as they grow. This complete guide from myPediaclinic explains what eczema is, how to recognise it, what triggers it, exactly how to manage it day to day, and when to see a pediatrician.
What is eczema?
Eczema is a condition in which the skin’s protective barrier doesn’t work as well as it should. A healthy skin barrier locks moisture in and keeps irritants and allergens out. In eczema, that barrier is “leaky,” so skin loses water and becomes dry, and irritants penetrate more easily, triggering inflammation and the intense itch that defines the condition. It’s not contagious, it’s not caused by poor hygiene, and it’s not your fault as a parent — it’s largely down to genetics and how a child’s skin and immune system are built.
Types of eczema in children
When people say “eczema” in children they almost always mean atopic dermatitis, the chronic, itchy, flare-and-settle form linked to allergies and asthma that this guide focuses on. But it helps to know the others you might hear about: contact dermatitis, a reaction where skin touches an irritant or allergen (such as certain metals, soaps, or wipes); seborrhoeic dermatitis, which in babies appears as “cradle cap” on the scalp; and dyshidrotic eczema, small itchy blisters on the hands and feet seen more in older children. The daily skincare principles below help all of them, but atopic dermatitis is what most children experience.
What eczema looks like at different ages
- Babies (0–1 year): often starts on the cheeks and scalp, then the outer arms and legs and the torso. It tends to be red, dry, and sometimes weepy. The nappy area is usually spared because it stays moist.
- Toddlers and young children: typically settles into the creases — the folds of the elbows and behind the knees — as well as wrists, ankles, and neck. Skin may become thickened and rough (called lichenification) from repeated scratching.
- Older children: the creases remain the classic sites, and long-standing patches can look darker or lighter than surrounding skin, especially on darker skin tones. The itch, and the scratching that follows, is often the biggest daily burden.
Eczema comes and goes in flare-ups: periods of calm, controlled skin interrupted by episodes of redness and itch. The aim of good management is to make the calm periods longer and the flares shorter and milder.
What triggers eczema flare-ups?
Triggers vary from child to child, and part of managing eczema is learning your child’s personal pattern. Common triggers include:
- Dryness — the single biggest factor; skin that isn’t well moisturised flares more easily.
- Heat and sweat — especially relevant in the UAE climate, and with air-conditioning that dries indoor air.
- Irritants — harsh soaps, bubble baths, fragranced products, wet wipes, and rough fabrics such as wool.
- Allergens — house dust mites, pet dander, pollen, and in some children certain foods.
- Illness and stress — a cold or a period of upset can tip sensitive skin into a flare.
- Saliva and food smears — a common cause of flare-ups around a baby’s mouth and cheeks.
The foundation: a daily skincare routine that works
This is the most important part of the whole guide. Consistent daily skincare matters more than any single treatment, and the biggest mistake parents make is stopping once the skin looks clear. The core routine:
- Moisturise generously and often. Use a fragrance-free emollient (moisturiser) at least twice a day — and more during flares. Apply it liberally, in the direction of hair growth, not rubbed in hard. Think in terms of large quantities used regularly; this is what rebuilds and maintains the skin barrier.
- Bathe gently, then seal. Short, lukewarm (not hot) baths with a soap-free cleanser. Pat — don’t rub — the skin dry, and apply moisturiser within a few minutes while the skin is still slightly damp to lock in water.
- Avoid irritants. Skip soap, bubble baths, and fragranced products; choose soft cotton clothing over wool and synthetics; use a non-biological, fragrance-free laundry detergent and rinse well.
- Keep cool. Overheating and sweat are common flare triggers, particularly in Dubai’s climate — dress in light layers and avoid overheating at night.
- Manage the itch. Keep nails short, and consider cotton mittens for babies at night. Breaking the itch-scratch cycle protects the skin and prevents infection.
How much moisturiser — and the step-by-step bath
Most parents dramatically under-apply moisturiser. As a rough guide, a child with active eczema may use a large quantity every week — far more than seems necessary. Apply it as the last thing after every bath and again through the day whenever skin feels dry. For bathing: keep it short (around 5–10 minutes) and lukewarm; use a gentle, soap-free wash; avoid scrubbing; pat dry gently; and moisturise immediately afterward. Warm — not hot — water matters, because heat strips the skin and worsens the itch.
A note on wet wraps
For stubborn flares, some pediatricians recommend “wet wrap” therapy — applying moisturiser (and sometimes prescribed treatment) under a layer of damp then dry clothing or bandages to intensively rehydrate and calm the skin. This should only be done on the advice of, and with instructions from, your doctor, as technique and duration matter.
Treating flare-ups safely
When eczema flares despite good skincare, moisturiser alone often isn’t enough to settle the inflammation. Your pediatrician may prescribe an anti-inflammatory treatment such as a topical corticosteroid (“steroid cream”) to calm the flare. Many parents worry about steroids, and it’s worth being reassured: used correctly — the right strength, for the right area, for the right number of days, under medical guidance — topical steroids are safe and effective, and they are the mainstay of eczema flare treatment worldwide.
The two common mistakes are opposite errors: under-treating a flare out of fear (so it drags on and worsens), and relying on flare creams instead of daily moisturising. The right approach is both together — daily emollients as the foundation, plus a short, correct course of anti-inflammatory treatment when a flare breaks through. Your pediatrician will give you a clear, written plan so you know exactly what to use, where, and for how long. Newer non-steroid prescription options also exist for certain cases, which your doctor can discuss if appropriate.
Eczema and the UAE climate
Dubai’s environment presents specific challenges. Intense heat and sweat outdoors can trigger the itch, while constant air-conditioning indoors dries the skin and air. Frequent swimming in chlorinated pools can also aggravate sensitive skin. The practical answer is diligence: moisturise even more consistently, rinse and re-moisturise after swimming, keep your child cool and out of peak heat, and don’t let the drying effect of AC go unaddressed. Many families find eczema is at its most demanding during the hottest months, so stepping up the routine in summer helps.
Eczema, sleep, and daily life
The itch of eczema is often worst at night, and disrupted sleep affects the whole family. Keeping the bedroom cool, using cotton bedding, moisturising well before bed, keeping nails short, and treating flares promptly all help. Scratching during sleep is common; light cotton clothing that covers the limbs can reduce skin damage. If your child’s sleep is regularly broken by itching, that alone is a reason to see your pediatrician to get the eczema better controlled.
Eczema at nursery and school
Let carers and teachers know your child has eczema and what helps: keeping cool, access to their moisturiser, avoiding known irritants in activities (like certain paints or sand play if these flare your child), and understanding that eczema is not contagious. A simple written plan shared with the nursery makes daily management far smoother.
Eczema, allergies, and asthma: the “allergic march”
Eczema is often the first step in what doctors call the “allergic march” — a tendency in some children to develop eczema first, then food allergies, hay fever, and asthma over time. This does not mean every child with eczema will develop these conditions, and many simply grow out of their eczema. But it’s why a pediatrician may ask about family history and other symptoms, and why controlling eczema well — and protecting the skin barrier early — is thought to matter.
An important caution: do not put your child on a restrictive diet in the hope of curing eczema without medical guidance. In most children, food is not the main driver, and unnecessary dietary restriction can cause nutritional harm and even increase allergy risk. If a food allergy is genuinely suspected, your pediatrician can assess and arrange proper testing.
Common eczema myths
- “Eczema is caused by poor hygiene.” False — it’s a genetic skin-barrier and immune difference, not a cleanliness problem.
- “My child will definitely grow out of it.” Many improve, but not all — good daily care matters either way.
- “Steroid creams are dangerous.” Used correctly under guidance, they are safe and are the standard treatment for flares.
- “It’s just dry skin.” Eczema is inflammation plus a barrier problem, not simple dryness — which is why moisturiser alone sometimes isn’t enough during flares.
Recognising infected eczema
Eczema-prone skin is more vulnerable to infection because the barrier is broken and scratching introduces bacteria. See your pediatrician promptly if you notice weeping or oozing, yellow crusting, painful or rapidly spreading redness, blisters, or a fever alongside worsening skin — these can signal a bacterial or viral skin infection that needs treatment.
When to see a pediatrician
- Eczema that isn’t controlled by regular moisturising and gentle skincare
- Signs of skin infection — weeping, crusting, pain, or spreading redness
- Sleep or daily life disrupted by itching
- Suspected food or environmental allergy triggers
- Uncertainty about how to use prescribed creams safely
Eczema care at myPediaclinic
At myPediaclinic in Dubai Healthcare City, Dr. Medhat Abu-Shaaban, American Board Certified pediatrician, helps families get their child’s eczema under control with a clear, practical plan — the right skincare routine, correctly-tailored flare treatment, trigger identification, and, where relevant, assessment for associated allergies. The aim is simple: calm, comfortable skin, and a child who sleeps and plays without the constant itch. Because pediatrics and allergy assessment sit together at the clinic, the whole picture is considered, not just the skin.
Choosing eczema-friendly products
The shelves are full of products claiming to help eczema, which is overwhelming for parents. A few simple principles cut through the noise. Choose a fragrance-free emollient and a soap-free cleanser — fragrance is one of the most common irritants for eczema-prone skin. Thicker ointments and creams generally hold moisture better than thin lotions, especially for very dry skin, though the “best” moisturiser is ultimately the one your child tolerates and will let you apply often. Avoid bubble baths, antibacterial washes, and anything heavily perfumed. When trying a new product, test it on a small area first. And be wary of expensive “miracle” creams and unproven natural remedies — the unglamorous basics of a gentle cleanser plus a generous fragrance-free moisturiser, used consistently, outperform almost everything else. Your pediatrician can recommend suitable products for your child’s skin.
Your daily eczema checklist
To make the routine easy to remember, here is the day-to-day approach in short:
- Moisturise generously, at least twice a day — and after every bath.
- Short, lukewarm baths with a soap-free cleanser; moisturise within minutes of drying.
- Dress in soft cotton; keep your child cool and avoid overheating.
- Keep nails short; tackle the itch early to break the scratch cycle.
- Use prescribed flare treatment correctly and promptly when a flare starts.
- Watch for signs of infection and see your pediatrician if the skin worsens.
- Don’t stop moisturising when the skin looks clear — prevention is continuous.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes eczema in babies and children?
Eczema results from a weakened skin barrier that leaves skin dry and easily inflamed, largely due to genetics. It often runs in families with allergies or asthma, and flares are triggered by dryness, heat and sweat, irritants, and certain allergens. It is not caused by poor hygiene.
How can I treat my child’s eczema at home?
Moisturise generously at least twice daily with a fragrance-free emollient, bathe gently with a soap-free cleanser and moisturise immediately after, avoid fragranced products and overheating, keep nails short, and treat flares with any cream your pediatrician prescribes. Consistency is everything.
Are steroid creams safe for my child’s eczema?
Yes, when used correctly. Topical steroids prescribed at the right strength, for the right area, and for the right duration under medical guidance are safe and are the standard treatment for eczema flares. Under-treating a flare out of fear often causes more problems than the treatment itself.
How much moisturiser should I use?
Far more than most parents expect. Apply liberally at least twice a day and any time the skin feels dry, and always straight after bathing. A child with active eczema can get through a large amount each week — that’s normal and expected.
Will my child grow out of eczema?
Many children’s eczema improves significantly as they get older, and some outgrow it entirely. Even when it persists, a good daily routine keeps most cases well controlled.
Should I change my child’s diet to treat eczema?
Not without medical guidance. In most children food is not the main driver of eczema, and unnecessary dietary restriction can be harmful. If a food allergy is genuinely suspected, see your pediatrician for proper assessment and testing.
Does eczema mean my child will develop allergies or asthma?
Not necessarily, but eczema can be the first sign of the “allergic march,” a tendency toward allergies and asthma in some children. It’s a reason to manage eczema well and mention other symptoms to your pediatrician.
Is the UAE climate bad for eczema?
Heat, sweat, drying air-conditioning, and chlorinated pools can all trigger flares, so keeping cool, moisturising diligently, and re-moisturising after swimming is especially important for children with eczema in Dubai.
When should I take my child to a doctor for eczema?
If eczema isn’t controlled by daily skincare, if there are signs of infection (weeping, crusting, spreading redness, fever), if itching disrupts sleep, or if you suspect allergy triggers or are unsure how to use prescribed creams.
Get your child’s eczema under control
A clear plan makes all the difference between constant flares and calm, comfortable skin. Book an appointment at myPediaclinic in Dubai Healthcare City, or message us on WhatsApp.
