Quick answer: Telling your child's childcare or school about their eczema helps educators respond calmly and consistently. Explain that eczema is common and not contagious,¹ give them a written plan from your doctor, and pack a labelled moisturiser along with the service's signed authorisation form.³ Let educators know your child's main triggers too, such as heat, sweat and rough fabrics.
Should you tell childcare or school about your child's eczema?
It's your choice, but it usually helps. Eczema affects about 30% of Australian children, according to Perth Children's Hospital,⁴ so most educators will already have cared for children with it. Telling them early means they can support your child from day one, rather than wondering about red patches or a sleepy, scratchy child.
The two key messages for educators are simple: eczema is not contagious,¹ and it isn't caused by poor hygiene. With that understanding, staff can reassure other children and parents if they ask.
What to tell educators at a glance
| Situation | What educators can do |
|---|---|
| Your child is tired or grumpy | Know that a flare may have disrupted their sleep; let them rest at nap time |
| Visible red patches | Reassure other children and parents that eczema isn't contagious |
| Itching | Apply moisturiser (with your authorisation) and offer distraction |
| Heat and sweat | Seat your child away from heaters and sunny windows; avoid overdressing |
| Water play and swimming | Rinse the skin afterwards and reapply moisturiser |
| Food | Serve the same food as other children, unless your child has a diagnosed food allergy |
Give educators a written eczema plan
The ASCIA Action Plan for Eczema is a medical document completed by your doctor or nurse practitioner.² It sets out your child's daily skin care, how to treat flares and control itch, and which triggers and irritants to avoid. Ask your GP to fill one in, and give a copy to your child's childcare or school.
Schools usually ask for a health care plan for children with ongoing medical conditions, so check what your school needs when you enrol.
Pack moisturiser, and the right paperwork
Moisturising during the day can make a big difference to your child's comfort. Pack a labelled pump or tube of moisturiser, such as Stelatopia+ Lipid-Replenishing Cream, in your child's bag.
Under Australia's Education and Care Services National Regulations, services need written authorisation from a parent to give medication.³ Many services apply this to creams too, including non-prescription moisturisers and your own sunscreen, so ask for their authorisation form. Some services don't accept products containing nut-based ingredients, so check their policy.
Good moments for educators to moisturise:
- after handwashing
- after water play or swimming
- before nap time
- whenever your child's skin looks dry or they start scratching
For technique tips to share with educators, read our guide on how to apply emollient cream.
If your child is tired or grumpy
Itching often gets worse at night, and research shows sleep disturbances affect 47–80% of children with eczema.⁵ After a bad night, your child may be sleepy, irritable or less focused. A quick note to educators helps them understand, and at childcare or kindy your child may be able to catch up during rest time.
If your child has visible patches or is itchy
- Visible patches: if other children or parents ask, educators can reassure them that eczema can't be caught, so there's no risk of passing it on.
- Itching: scratching releases chemicals that make the skin itchier, creating an "itch–scratch cycle."⁶ Educators can help by applying moisturiser, gently distracting your child, and taking extra care at nappy changes and when dressing.
Heat, seating and sun
Heat and sweat can make itching worse. Overheating and over-wrapping your child can make eczema itch worse.⁷ At school, ask the teacher to seat your child away from heaters and sunny windows. At childcare, dress your child in light, breathable cotton layers that are easy to remove.
Sun protection: pack the sunscreen your child already uses, so their skin isn't exposed to a new product.
Frequently asked questions about eczema at childcare and school
Can my child go to childcare during an eczema flare?
Usually yes, as eczema is not contagious.¹ If the skin looks infected (very red, weepy or crusted with yellow scabs), or your child has a fever, see your GP first.⁹
Can educators apply my child's prescribed cortisone cream?
Some services can, with your written authorisation and following your doctor's instructions.³ Many families find it simpler to apply prescribed treatments at home in the morning and evening, and leave only moisturiser for the day.
How can I explain eczema to other children?
Keep it simple: "My skin gets dry and itchy sometimes. You can't catch it." Giving your child a short, confident explanation can help them handle questions from classmates.
Can my child swim with school or childcare?
Yes. Rinse off pool water after swimming and reapply moisturiser. For more, read our guide on how to bathe a baby with eczema.
References
- Gold Coast Health. Eczema and Wet Wraps Information – Children's Hospital in the Home.
- ASCIA. ASCIA Action Plan for Eczema (2024).
- ACECQA (Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority). Guidance on authorisations under the Education and Care Services National Regulations.
- Perth Children's Hospital (Child and Adolescent Health Service, WA). Eczema – A guide for health professionals.
- Sleep disturbances and atopic dermatitis: relationships, methods for assessment, and therapies. Review article, PubMed Central.
- ASCIA. Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) – Fast Facts.
- Perth Children's Hospital (Child and Adolescent Health Service, WA). Caring for your child's eczema.
- The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne. Back to school and childcare with food allergies.
- Children's Health Queensland. Eczema – bathing your child.
This article provides general information and does not replace medical advice. Always consult your GP, paediatrician or dermatologist about your child's skin.
