What are the first-line topical treatments for managing atopic eczema in children?

The first-line topical treatments for managing atopic eczema in children are emollients. Emollients should be used regularly, even when the skin is clear, to maintain skin hydration and prevent flares ¹.

Children with atopic eczema should be offered a choice of unperfumed emollients for daily moisturising, with large quantities prescribed for ease of use in various settings ².

Emollients are recommended to be applied in larger amounts and more frequently than other treatments, covering the whole body, both during flare and remission ¹,².

Application should involve smoothing onto the skin rather than rubbing in, and parents or carers should be shown how to do this properly ¹.