The main aim of treatment is to keep the skin moist and supple in order to stop it from cracking, which can lead to infection.

According to current guidelines from NICE, parents should be advised to use unperfumed, moisturising emollients on their child every day for moisturising, washing and bathing.

Parents can either use a single product for all uses or a combination of products (e.g. one product for washing instead of soap and another for moisturising).

Emollients should be used all the time, even if no eczema is present, to try to prevent flareups. Make sure you advise parents on how to use emollient products, including how much to use (see the 'Taking control of eczema' section below).

NICE advises using emollients over the whole body rather than just on the areas affected by the eczema. Examples: Oilatum Junior, E45.

Taking control of eczema

• Apply plenty of emollient cream in downward strokes, with clean hands, ideally up to four times a day. An average of 250-500g per week is recommended
• Apply after a bath containing a bath emollient
• Pat the skin dry after bathing and apply an emollient cream straight away
• Apply extra emollient cream in extreme weather
• Never use ordinary soap, moisturising soap or bubble bath
• Cotton mittens can be worn to reduce the impact of scratching
• Start a reward chart, giving the child a sticker for each wriggle-free treatment time, working towards a treat at the end of the week.