Children With Eczema: How to Stop the Scratching

It's easy to say, "Don't scratch." Getting your child with eczema to listen to you is another story. But a little creativity can help keep your kid's fingers away from the itchy rash.

"The trouble with scratching is that it can actually make the condition worse," says Lawrence Eichenfield, MD, chief of pediatric dermatology at Rady Children's Hospital in San Diego. "And, it can cause cuts in the skin that can become infected. So it's important for parents to learn ways to help their child stop scratching."

Follow these tips to help your child reduce the urge to scratch.

Keep your child's skin properly moisturized to help keep eczema flare-ups and itching at bay.

Thick ointments, such as petroleum jelly, contain more oil than lotions and are the most effective at locking in moisture.

Some children may not like the feel of thick ointments. "I suggest parents let their older child try several moisturizers and choose which kind to use," Eichenfield says. "Because the best moisturizer is the one that your child will use."

For the best itch relief, use moisturizers several times a day, especially after bathing or washing.

Some parents find that using wet wraps can help stop the itching.

The best time to apply wet wraps is right before bedtime. Follow these steps:

You can apply wet wraps on any part of your child's body that is especially itchy.

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Children With Eczema: How to Stop the Scratching