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Eczema in Children

Eczema is a condition that makes the skin dry, itchy and inflamed. It often causes patches of rough, red or irritated skin that flare and improve over time.

Eczema develops from a combination of skin-barrier problems, immune activity and inherited tendency. Dry air, heat, sweat, soaps, fragrances, fabrics and allergens can trigger or worsen flares.

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AAP Guide to Eczema in Children

The AAP guide below explains how eczema behaves, what can help control flares, and when your child needs medical care.

AAP Symptom CheckerEczema

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When to see a doctor

Contact your pediatrician or another healthcare professional if:

  • The rash is not improving with your child’s usual eczema plan.
  • The skin becomes painful, weepy, crusted or increasingly red.
  • Your child develops fever with worsening skin symptoms.
  • Eczema is interfering with sleep or daily activities.

Call 911 or get emergency care if:

  • Your child develops severe facial or throat swelling, trouble breathing or another life-threatening allergic reaction.
  • Your child appears severely ill with rapidly spreading skin infection.

Talk to a nurse now, at any hour

When can my child be seen

Be seen today.

Every office keeps same-day appointments for illness and injury.

This evening or at the weekend.

Most offices run After Hours Care, by appointment rather than walk-in.

If you are worried, call. We would rather answer a question that turns out to be nothing.

More on skin and rashes

See the rest of this group and all 164 symptoms