What I Wish I Knew Sooner: 5 Things That Made Life Easier for My Child with Eczema

When my child was first diagnosed with eczema, I felt overwhelmed, frustrated, and honestly, pretty alone. The flare-ups came out of nowhere, and I quickly found myself deep in a rabbit hole of creams, clothing advice, and contradicting online opinions. Through lots of trial and error (and more sleepless nights than I can count), we finally found a rhythm. Here are five things I wish I had known from the beginning, small changes that made a big difference in our daily life.

1. Supporting Gut Health Made a Visible Difference

One of the most surprising discoveries was the link between gut health and skin health. After speaking with a nutritionist and doing my own research, I began making small changes to support my child’s gut: reducing processed foods, introducing more whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and fermented options, and giving a daily child-friendly probiotic.

Within a few weeks, I noticed subtle changes – fewer flare-ups, better digestion, and even a slight improvement in mood and sleep. While it's not a miracle cure, supporting gut health has become a core part of our eczema care routine.

2. Daily Moisturising + Flare-Up Plan

A big lesson for us was learning that managing eczema isn’t about using just one cream – it’s about using the right cream at the right time. A gentle, fragrance-free moisturiser became part of our daily routine to help protect and strengthen the skin barrier. It keeps the skin hydrated and reduces the chances of a flare-up.

But when a flare-up did happen, our doctor recommended a flare control cream (like a mild corticosteroid) to calm the inflammation. We don’t need it all the time, so be sure to follow your doctor’s advice on how and when to use flare control creams safely and effectively.

3. Night-Time Comfort: Clothing, Bedding & Sleep Strategies

Eczema doesn’t sleep, and neither did we for a while. Nights were the hardest—constant itching, crying, and waking up covered in scratched skin. We tried a lot of things, and here’s what helped:

• Using soft, natural fibre, breathable bedding
• Dressing in long-sleeved bamboo PJs
• Applying moisturiser after bath or before bed
• Keeping the room cool
• And sometimes, using protective mittens to prevent scratching

Choosing the right clothing and bedding played a key role. Fabrics like OEKO-TEX certified bamboo and mulberry silk helped reduce overheating and friction, two major eczema triggers. These changes didn’t eliminate all the problems overnight, but they significantly reduced flare-ups and allowed us both to get some much-needed rest.

4. Don’t Do It Alone – Find Support Early On

One of the biggest emotional shifts came when I realised I didn’t have to figure it all out by myself. Connecting with others who understood what we were going through made a world of difference. That’s when I discovered the Eczema Association of Australia (EAA).

They offer practical resources, emotional support, and even events where you can connect with other families navigating the same path. The EAA became a quiet but powerful ally, especially when I felt overwhelmed or unsure about treatment options. Even just reading their tips or hearing stories from other parents gave me a sense of comfort and confidence.

If you’re feeling lost, I highly recommend checking them out.

5. Communicate with Caregivers and Teachers

Managing eczema doesn’t stop when your child leaves the house. It was important for me to create a plan that worked at daycare and later at school. I started with a simple info sheet for caregivers that included:

• What products to use and avoid
• How to recognise a flare-up
• When to reapply moisturiser
• Emergency contacts

I also packed a small pouch with cream, a change of clothes, and a note. Teachers and carers were incredibly supportive once they understood what was going on. And the bonus? My child felt more confident knowing their needs were understood.

Final Thoughts: Small Shifts, Big Relief

Every child with eczema is different, but there are some universal truths: comfort matters, simplicity works, and you don’t have to do it alone. These five steps didn’t cure my child’s eczema, but they made a world of difference in how we manage it.

If you’re just starting this journey, be kind to yourself. There’s no perfect solution, but with time, support, and a few key changes, things really do get better.

Written by Ivona Tan, Mum of an eczema warrior and founder of Honey & Stitch