Quick answer: Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a common skin condition that causes dry, itchy skin and comes and goes in flares. It affects about 30% of Australian children,¹ often starts in the first year of life, and is not contagious.² This guide explains the key terms you'll hear from your GP or pharmacist, and answers parents' most common questions.
Eczema glossary: key terms A–Z
Allergen: a substance that causes an allergic reaction in people who are sensitised to it, such as house dust mites, pollen, pet dander or certain foods. Allergens can trigger eczema flares in some children, but they don't cause eczema.
Antihistamine: a medicine that blocks histamine, a chemical released in allergic reactions. Antihistamines won't help the itch caused by eczema and aren't usually recommended for it.³
Atopic dermatitis: the medical name for the most common type of eczema. "Dermatitis" means inflammation of the skin.
Atopy: an inherited tendency to develop allergic conditions such as eczema, food allergy, asthma and hay fever. Children with atopy may have one or several of these conditions.
Contact dermatitis: a different type of eczema, caused by direct contact with an irritant (such as soap) or an allergen (such as nickel).
Cortisone cream (topical corticosteroid): a prescribed cream or ointment that reduces skin inflammation during flares. Moisturiser treats dry skin, while a topical corticosteroid treats inflammation.¹
Emollient: a moisturiser designed to soften the skin and support its protective barrier, such as Stelatopia+ Lipid-Replenishing Cream. Daily emollients are the foundation of eczema care. Learn more in our guide to the benefits of emollient care.
Filaggrin: a protein essential for a healthy skin barrier. About 10% of people carry a mutation in the filaggrin gene, which increases the risk of eczema.⁵
Flare (flare-up): a period when eczema gets worse, with redness, dryness and intense itch. Periods between flares are sometimes called remission.
Impetigo: a bacterial skin infection, often caused by Staphylococcus aureus, that can develop on broken eczema skin. Signs include yellow crusts and weeping patches.
Itch–scratch cycle: scratching releases chemicals that make the skin itchier, which leads to more scratching.⁶ Breaking this cycle is a key part of eczema care.
Pruritus: the medical term for itching.
Skin barrier: the outer layer of the skin, which keeps moisture in and irritants out. In eczema, the barrier doesn't hold on to moisture well.⁶
Trigger: anything that can set off a flare, such as heat, sweat, rough fabrics, soap, dust mites or illness. Triggers vary from child to child, and there's usually no single trigger.⁶
Wet dressings (wet wraps): a treatment for severe flares, where a damp layer of cotton clothing or bandage is placed over creams, with a dry layer on top.⁷ Learn more in our guide to wet wrapping.
Frequently asked questions about eczema in babies and children
How common is eczema in children?
Very common. Eczema affects about 30% of Australian children, according to Perth Children's Hospital.¹
Is eczema an allergy?
No. Eczema develops from a combination of genetics, a weakened skin barrier and an over-reactive immune system. In children who are sensitised to them, allergens such as dust mites or pollen can trigger flares, but they don't cause eczema.⁶ For more, read our guide to eczema myths and facts.
Is eczema hereditary?
Often, yes. A child's risk of developing eczema is 40–50% when one parent has it, and 50–80% when both parents do.⁸ The severity isn't passed down in the same way, though: a parent's severe eczema doesn't mean their child's will be severe.
Will my child grow out of eczema?
Many children improve as they grow, but for some, eczema continues into later childhood or adulthood.⁸ Daily skin care helps keep the skin comfortable whatever the outlook.
Can eczema flares be prevented?
Not completely, as eczema comes and goes and there's usually no single trigger.⁶ Daily moisturising, a gentle bath routine and avoiding your child's known triggers all help lengthen the time between flares. Read our guide on how to care for eczema-prone skin.
Are cortisone creams safe for my baby?
Many parents worry about cortisone creams. Used as your doctor directs, they're an effective, well-established treatment for inflamed skin during flares. Ask your GP if you have concerns about strength or duration.
Should I bathe my child more or less often?
Daily. Children's Health Queensland recommends a daily lukewarm bath of 10–15 minutes, using a soap-free wash.⁹ Moisturise straight afterwards. For step-by-step advice, read our guide on how to bathe a baby with eczema.
Is eczema contagious?
No, not even during a flare.² Your child can play, swim and go to childcare as usual. Simple explanations help other children and parents understand.
Does eczema leave scars?
Eczema doesn't usually scar. Lighter or darker patches can remain for a while after a flare, but they fade over time. Treating flares promptly and moisturising daily helps the skin recover.
Is my child more likely to get skin infections?
Children with eczema often carry more Staphylococcus aureus bacteria on their skin,⁸ but carrying the bacteria doesn't always mean infection. Signs of infection include yellow crusts, weeping, or patches that spread or don't improve with treatment.⁹ If you're unsure, see your GP, and take photos if you can't get an appointment straight away.
Can my child be vaccinated if they have eczema?
Yes. Eczema isn't a reason to skip or delay vaccination. Talk to your GP or immunisation nurse if you have any concerns.
Can my child swim in the pool or the ocean?
Yes. Apply moisturiser before swimming, rinse your child well afterwards, then wash with a gentle cleanser such as Stelatopia Cleansing Oil and moisturise generously. Outdoors, use sun protection.
Should my child stay home from childcare during a flare?
No, as eczema isn't contagious. It can help to let educators know, so they can support your child if they're tired or itchy. Read our guide to eczema at childcare and school.
References
- Perth Children's Hospital (Child and Adolescent Health Service, WA). Eczema – A guide for health professionals.
- Gold Coast Health. Eczema and Wet Wraps Information – Children's Hospital in the Home.
- Perth Children's Hospital (Child and Adolescent Health Service, WA). Caring for your child's eczema.
- ASCIA. ASCIA Action Plan for Eczema (2024).
- Carson CG et al. (2012). Clinical presentation of atopic dermatitis by filaggrin gene mutation status during the first 7 years of life in a prospective cohort study. PLoS ONE.
- ASCIA. Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) – Fast Facts.
- Sydney Children's Hospitals Network. Wet dressings for eczema factsheet.
- Mustela Australia. Study on Atopic Dermatitis in infants, children and adults.
- 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.
