What first-line treatments are recommended for managing eczema flare-ups in paediatric patients?

The recommended first-line treatments for managing eczema flare-ups in paediatric patients are:

• Emollients should always be used, even when atopic eczema is clear, and should be applied in larger amounts and more often than other treatments on the whole body during flares ¹.
• Start treatment for flares as soon as signs and symptoms appear, and continue treatment for approximately 48 hours after symptoms subside ¹.
• Use mild-potency topical corticosteroids for mild eczema, and moderate-potency topical corticosteroids for moderate eczema during flare-ups ¹.
• Offer children a choice of unperfumed emollients for daily moisturising, with large quantities prescribed for use at nursery, pre-school, or school ¹.
• Show children and carers how to apply emollients correctly, including smoothing rather than rubbing them in ¹.

Additional treatments such as topical calcineurin inhibitors are considered second-line and are not first-line options ¹.