Quick answer: Eczema-prone skin goes through calm periods and flare-ups, and each phase needs a slightly different approach.¹ Between flares, keep applying emollient to the whole body at least once a day, even when the skin looks clear.² At the first signs of a flare, act early. Use the treatment your doctor has prescribed on red, inflamed patches, and keep moisturising everywhere else.³
Eczema care at a glance
| Phase | What you'll notice | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Between flares | Skin is calm but still prone to dryness | Apply emollient to the whole body at least once a day |
| First signs | Redness, rough or thickened patches, more scratching, restless sleep | Moisturise more often and start prescribed treatment promptly |
| During a flare | Red, inflamed, itchy skin, sometimes weeping | Prescribed treatment on inflamed areas; emollient everywhere else |
| After a flare | Skin feels soft, redness has gone | Finish prescribed treatment once the eczema has completely cleared; keep up daily emollient |
Why does eczema come and go?
Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a chronic, relapsing, inflammatory skin condition, which means it tends to come and go. It affects about 30% of Australian children, according to Perth Children's Hospital.³ ASCIA explains that when eczema worsens, this is called a flare, and there is usually no single trigger.⁴ Flares can be set off by a mix of factors, including irritants, allergens, changes in climate, stress and infections.¹
How should you care for eczema-prone skin between flares?
Keep moisturising, even when the skin looks clear. A break in symptoms shouldn't mean a break in skincare. Perth Children's Hospital recommends moisturising at least once a day, even when no eczema can be seen, and more often if the skin feels dry.² All major eczema treatment guidelines recommend daily emollients, whatever the severity, and regular use can reduce the need for steroid creams.
Moisturising is also a lovely moment of connection with your child. Turn it into a little game: a kiss on the shoulder when the right arm is done, two kisses in the palm when the left arm is finished, and a surprise tickle to end.
For step-by-step advice, read our guides on how to apply emollient cream and how to bathe a baby with eczema.
What are the first signs of an eczema flare?
Redness, rough or thickened patches, more scratching and restless nights. Itching often comes first, and the "itch–scratch cycle" can quickly disrupt sleep.⁴
Act early: Perth Children's Hospital stresses the importance of treating an eczema flare as soon as it occurs.³ At the first signs, increase moisturising to at least twice a day,⁵ and start any treatment your doctor has prescribed for flares.
What should you do during an eczema flare?
Follow this two-step plan.
Step 1: Treat the inflamed areas. Moisturiser treats dry skin, while a topical corticosteroid treats inflammation.³ Apply the cortisone cream or ointment your doctor has prescribed to all the eczema areas, as directed. If patches become weepy, very red or crusted with yellow scabs, see your doctor, as these can be signs of infection.⁶
Step 2: Keep moisturising everywhere else. Apply moisturiser to the rest of the face and body at least once a day, and more often if the skin feels dry. When most of the skin is affected, apply moisturiser straight after the bath, then the cortisone cream or ointment on the eczema areas.²
Stelatopia+ Lipid-Replenishing Cream is gentle enough for daily use on dry, unbroken skin. It is scientifically proven to soothe itchy skin and helps minimise the frequency of recurring itch.⁷ In a clinical study of 63 children aged 3 months to 8 years with eczema-prone skin, parents reported that it immediately reduced itching sensations by up to 95%, and 90% agreed it limited the frequency of severe dryness peaks.⁸
How can you ease your child's itching?
Scratching releases chemicals that make the skin itchier, so breaking the itch–scratch cycle matters.⁴ A few simple tips help:
- Distract, or apply more moisturiser when your child starts scratching.⁹
- Keep nails short to limit skin damage from scratching.
- Don't overheat or over-wrap your child, as heat can make itching worse.²
- Try something cool: a cool compress, or a moisturiser kept in the fridge, can feel soothing on itchy skin.
When should you see a doctor?
Contact your GP or healthcare professional if:
- your child still has red, itchy, active eczema despite regular moisturising and prescribed treatment,⁵
- the skin looks infected: very red, weepy, or with yellow crusts,⁶
- itching is disrupting your child's sleep.⁴
For more on what's true and false about eczema, read our guide to eczema myths and facts.
Frequently asked questions about caring for eczema-prone skin
Can eczema flares be prevented completely?
Not always. Eczema is a chronic condition that comes and goes, and there's usually no single trigger for a flare.⁴ Daily moisturising, avoiding known aggravating factors and treating flares promptly all help keep eczema under control.²
Can I use Stelatopia+ during a flare?
Yes, on dry, unbroken skin.⁷ Use it alongside, not instead of, the treatment your doctor prescribes for inflamed areas, and avoid applying it to weeping or broken skin.
Do antihistamines help with eczema itch?
Antihistamines won't help with the itch caused by eczema and aren't usually recommended.² Ask your GP about the best way to manage your child's itch.
References
- Mustela Australia. Study on Atopic Dermatitis in infants, children and adults.
- Perth Children's Hospital (Child and Adolescent Health Service, WA). Caring for your child's eczema.
- Perth Children's Hospital (Child and Adolescent Health Service, WA). Eczema – A guide for health professionals.
- ASCIA. Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) – Fast Facts.
- KidsHealth NZ (with Starship Children's Hospital). How using moisturiser helps children with eczema.
- Children's Health Queensland. Eczema – bathing your child.
- Mustela Australia. Stelatopia+ Lipid-Replenishing Cream.
- Laboratoires Expanscience. Clinical study conducted under dermatological and paediatric control on 63 subjects aged 3 months to 8 years with eczema-prone skin, with 1 to 2 applications per day for 28 days (self-assessment). Data on file.
- Telethon Kids Institute. Eczema (atopic dermatitis) fact sheet – Koolungar Moorditj Healthy Skin Project.
This article provides general information and does not replace medical advice. Always consult your GP, paediatrician or dermatologist about your child's skin.
