Starting daycare with a child who has eczema can feel overwhelming. Learn practical tips to help educators support your child, manage triggers, and keep sensitive skin comfortable throughout the day.
Managing Eczema at Daycare
Starting daycare is a big milestone for any child. For families managing eczema, it can also bring extra worry. Many parents are used to handling their child’s skincare themselves and it can feel unsettling handing that responsibility to someone else.
The good news is that with a little preparation and communication, daycare can be a comfortable and supportive environment for children with eczema.
Below are practical ways to help your child settle in while keeping their skin as calm as possible.
1. Start With a Conversation
One of the most helpful steps is speaking with your child’s educators early. Many carers may not have much experience with eczema, so a short conversation can make a big difference.
You may want to explain a few important things:
- What eczema is and that it is not contagious.
- What treatment your child needs during the day.
- How eczema affects your child physically and emotionally.
- Simple ways the centre can help keep your child comfortable.
When educators understand what your child is dealing with, they are usually very willing to support them.
2. Common Triggers at Daycare
Daycare environments are busy and full of activity. While this is great for development, it can sometimes trigger itching or flare ups.
Some common triggers include emotional stress, certain foods, and changes in temperature. Warm rooms or overheating during play can also irritate sensitive skin.
Certain everyday materials may also cause discomfort. These may include some clothing fabrics, paint, play dough, grass, scented wipes, fragranced products, strong hand sanitiser, rough paper towels and frequent hand washing.
Environmental factors can also play a role. Dust mites, pollen, animal dander and classroom pets may contribute to irritation for some children.
Knowing your child’s triggers can help educators reduce exposure where possible.
3. Make Treatments Easy for Staff
Educators are juggling many children at once. Keeping skincare simple makes it easier for them to help. Let them know how often moisturiser should be applied and when prescription creams are needed.
Some parents also ask staff to apply moisturiser before outdoor play, messy activities, or swimming.
Important tip: Many centres can only apply treatments that are clearly prescribed. Keeping pharmacy labels on creams or providing a note from your health professional can avoid delays.
4. Pack an Eczema Friendly Daycare Kit
Having a small kit ready at daycare can make managing flare ups easier and less stressful for everyone.
A helpful kit may include:
- A pump bottle moisturiser which is easier and more hygienic than tubs
- Any prescribed creams or ointments clearly labelled
- Soft tissues or gentle wipes for cleaning skin
- Soap alternatives or non alcohol hand wipes
- A hat and sunscreen suitable for sensitive skin
- Protective mitten sleeves
Eczema Around Nap Time
Many children with eczema become itchier when they are lying still during nap time. Without distractions, the urge to scratch can feel stronger.
Loose comfortable clothing and a cool sleeping environment can help. Some parents also use protective mitten sleeves during rest time to help prevent scratching that may damage the skin.
The Honey & Stitch mitten sleeves include a fold over design that can be closed during naps to help protect delicate skin. When children wake up, the sleeves can be opened again so little hands are free for play and activities.
This small adjustment can help reduce scratching while still allowing children to stay comfortable throughout the day.
5. Help Staff Understand Your Child
Eczema is more than just dry skin. It can affect sleep, concentration and mood.
Children who itch at night may arrive at daycare tired. Some may struggle during rest time because lying still can make itching feel more intense. Letting educators know this can help them understand your child’s behaviour and energy levels.
Children with eczema should still be able to join most activities. However some situations may make their skin worse:
- Painting, sand and messy play
- Working with clay
- Overheating during active games
- Sitting close to heaters or sunny windows
- Very hot or cold outdoor weather
- Sitting directly on carpet
- Helping care for classroom animals
Sharing this information helps staff make small adjustments that keep your child comfortable.
Before physical play it may also help if your child can wear loose clothing or apply moisturiser.
6. Creating a Simple Care Plan
Providing a short written care plan can be extremely helpful for daycare staff. It gives clear instructions and ensures everyone is on the same page.
Your plan might include:
- When to apply moisturiser
- When to use prescription treatments
- Known triggers
- Signs that your child needs support
- Emergency contact details
This makes it easier for educators to confidently care for your child throughout the day.
Extra Support for Families and Educators
The organisation Eczema Support Australia has created a helpful resource for families and educators called the Eczema School Kit. It is designed to support communication between parents and early learning centres while improving care for children with eczema.
You can download the resource here:
https://toolkit.eczemasupport.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/ESA-Eczema-School-Kit.zip
A Reassuring Thought for Parents
Sending your child to daycare with eczema can feel overwhelming at first. With the right information, supportive educators and a few practical preparations, most children settle in beautifully.
Comfortable skin helps children focus on what matters most. Learning, playing and building friendships.
And that is exactly what daycare should be about.
Photo credit: Yan Krukau