Common childhood skin conditions

Many children experience dry or itchy skin at some point, with 20% of children being affected by eczema¹, often before the age of 5. It’s often nothing to worry about but understanding what’s normal and when to seek help can make caring for your child’s skin easier and more effective.

Dry skin

A little bit of dry skin is very common in babies and young children. Their skin is still developing and sometimes can’t retain enough moisture. It typically appears on the inside of the elbows, behind the knees or on the face. Things like teething (causing drooling) or clothing and bedding that rubs can be a simple explanation.

Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)

If a child’s skin frequently becomes red, itchy, and inflamed especially in skin creases such as elbows and knees, this is quite likely to be eczema. This is one of the most common skin conditions in children. Triggers for eczema include family history, allergies, or environmental factors.

Other common conditions

Some skin conditions can look a lot like eczema or dry skin but may not require emollients to treat them.

• Nappy rash: redness or soreness caused by moisture, chemical irritants and rubbing in the nappy area
• Cradle cap: harmless flaking on a baby's scalp, often clears on its own
• Heat rash: small red bumps from sweat or overheating

When to see a GP or pharmacist

If you have any concerns about your child’s health, you can always ring the NHS helpline on 111 for guidance from healthcare professionals. If your child is showing any of the below, we would particularly recommend consulting with your GP:

• If the skin is cracked, bleeding, or oozing and your child is unwell
• If itching disturbs sleep or causes distress
• If symptoms don't improve after regular emollient use

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1. http://eczema.org/information-and-advice/information-for-parents-and-children/