09/09/2025

Eczema and Childhood in the UK

Did you know that atopic eczema, the most common type, affects 1 in 5 children in the UK? That’s a lot of itchy mornings, restless nights, and concerned parents out there.

Roughly 1 in 20 of these children have severe eczema, which can really impact quality of life; think sleep disruption, missed school, and even a hit to confidence.

Although it’s common, eczema is no small thing: the skin becomes dry, red, scratchy and that itch can feel relentless. But here’s the good news: with the right approach, you can help your child feel more comfortable, night and day.

Practical, Proven Tips to Tackle the Itch

Soak & Seal: Bath Time’s Best Friend

• Use lukewarm water (not hot), soak for 5–10 minutes with a gentle, non-soap cleanser. Pat the skin dry, leaving it slightly damp, and then:
  • Apply any prescribed topical medicine to flare-up areas
  • Within three minutes, “seal in” moisture with a rich emollient (cream or ointment) generously
• Repeat moisturizing throughout the day, especially when dryness or itching begins
  
  

Set Up a Scratch-Smart Defence

• Keep nails short and, for little ones, consider scratch mitts or soft gloves
• Try gentle tapping or pinching the skin to ease an itch, sometimes that’s enough to break the urge to scratch

Cool It Down

• Use a cool pack (wrapped in cloth) or apply emollient that’s been kept in the fridge for soothing relief
• Keep the bedroom comfortably cool (around 16–18 °C) during sleep

Avoid Triggers, Reduce Flare-Ups

• Steer clear of irritating fabrics like wool or rough synthetics; go for soft cotton or bamboo
• Be cautious with soaps; detergents, and fragranced products, opt instead for non-soap cleansers
• Keep a symptom diary; note stress, weather, detergents, new foods or activities, to spot hidden triggers
• Manage stress; flair-ups can be linked to emotional triggers too

Distract & Engage

When itching strikes, give those hands something to do; fidget toys, Lego, books, whatever works. Breaking the habit of scratching is just as important as calming the skin

When You Might Need Professional Help

If you’ve trialled the basics and your child’s eczema is still severe, spreading fast, or causing significant discomfort, here’s where to turn:

• Start with your GP: they can prescribe topical steroids or refer you to a dermatologist if needed
• Know the warning signs of infection or complications: if eczema becomes painful, blistered, crusty, weepy, or is accompanied by fever or lethargy, seek help fast. It could be an infection or eczema herpeticum, which may require urgent treatment
• For complex or persistent cases, your GP may refer to:
  • A paediatric dermatologist
  • A joint dermatology-allergy clinic (especially if allergies are suspected)
    Allergy UK National Charity
  • Community support teams: health visitors, practice nurses, and dermatology nurses can be ‘champions’ between hospital visits

Where to Find Support in the UK

• National Eczema Society: The UK’s go-to charity for eczema info, support, research, webinars, downloadable booklets, and a community of other parents
• NHS.uk: Trusted medical guidance on symptoms, treatments, and what to do if eczema looks infected or severe
• Allergy UK: Helpful factsheets on eczema triggers, skin care plans, and when to consider allergy testing
• Local support networks: Many areas have eczema support groups, ask your GP or check with the National Eczema Society.

Useful resources for parents

National Eczema Society information and advice
National Eczema Society information and advice for parents and children
National Eczema Association tips for kids
National Eczema Association treatment for children
Eczema treatment for children
Allergy Society practical tips for coping with atopic eczema
NHS - atopic eczema

A Parent’s Pep Talk

You’re doing an amazing job! Caring for a child with eczema can feel overwhelming; nights can be long, days unpredictable, and the temptation to scratch never-ending. But small, consistent steps make a big difference:

• Stick to Soak & Seal every day
• Cool comfort and gentle distractions can break the itch-scratch cycle
• Track triggers so you can outsmart flare-ups
• Lean on your support network, from NHS professionals to charity resources and fellow parents
• And always trust your instincts: if something doesn’t feel right—trust your gut and seek help

National Eczema Week UK is all about reminding us—we’re not alone, eczema is common, and with empathy, routine, and support, life can feel a whole lot smoother.