“Your child should apply a liberal amount of moisturiser to eczema-prone areas at least twice a day or as frequently as required to restore the skin barrier and keep itching at bay,” notes Dr Chan Yuin Chew, a dermatologist at Gleneagles Hospital.

Do this right after showering, while his skin is still wet. “If your child goes swimming, he should slather on a thick layer of moisturiser before entering the pool and shower immediately after a swim,” adds Dr Teo.

“Use cream- or ointment-based moisturisers and gentle, soap-free body washes whenever possible. And avoid formulations with perfume or fragrances,” recommends Dr Teo.

Opt for eczema and sensitive skin-friendly products like Mussvital’s new Atopic body lotion (available at selected Watsons stores and on Lazada) and Bioderma’s new Atoderm Huile de Douche (available at leading personal care stores).

“Refrain from wearing clothes made of rough, scratchy fabrics, such as wool or synthetic fibres, which can irritate the skin,” says Dr Chan.

Dr Villa adds that you should opt for light-coloured cotton clothes, as well as use a mild cleanser like Marseille soap to wash his clothes. “It is pH-neutral and additive-free,” she says.

“Encourage your child to keep his fingernails short and file them smooth at all times, as this helps reduce skin damage from scratching,” advises Dr Chan. If he scratches a lot during the night, consider getting him lightweight gloves to bed.

READ MORE: 7 Essential Tips For Strong And Healthy Nails

“Sweat is induced by heat or exercise and can dehydrate the skin and make eczema worse,” observes Dr Villa. So where possible, keep Junior cool in a well-ventilated or air-conditioned room, and shower immediately after exercise.

“Your child’s doctor may prescribe topical corticosteroid creams and oral antibiotics to reduce skin inflammation,” says Dr Teo. In addition, Dr Villa shares that “dietary supplements, such as probiotics, vitamin D and omega-3, have also proven helpful in managing eczema”.

But consult a doctor before giving any of these to your child. If your child’s eczema fails to respond to these treatments, his doctor may recommend a light therapy.

“While food allergies do not cause eczema, they can sometimes aggravate its symptoms. If Junior’s itching worsens or he experiences any gastrointestinal or respiratory discomfort after consuming certain foods, consult his doctor immediately,” recommends Dr Chan.

READ MORE: Does Your Child Have Allergies?

“Eczema is more than just a physical condition – it’s a psychological one, too,” says Dr Villa. “For instance, the itchiness that accompanies eczema may keep your child awake at night and disturb his sleep. This may make him more tired and anxious during the day. And given that the symptoms of eczema are highly visible, it may also affect his self-esteem,” says Dr Chan.

READ MORE:
The Gentlest Skincare Products Suitable For Very Sensitive Skin
Avoid These Skincare Ingredients If You Have Sensitive Skin
8 Must-Know Ways To Protect Your Family From Dengue Fever

This post was first published in May 2016, and updated on October 30, 2019.