It depends on the potency. Mild steroids are usually used on the face and moderate and potent for the body. Occasionally your specialist may suggest you use moderate potency steroid creams to the face for a few days. If you are unsure, ask your GP, nurse or specialist.

Apply it once a day – unless advised otherwise – to the red, inflamed or itchy areas. Measure out each dose as instructed. Use a clean spoon rather than your fingers to take cream from a jar. Do not use more than instructed.

Wet wraps are special garments or bandages that are designed to help treat conditions such as eczema. One layer is wet and goes directly onto moisturised skin. One dry layer is worn on the top of this. They can be worn throughout the day or night as advised by your doctor.

Yes you can as long as the potency is mild or moderate. It might be better to use your topical steroid cream in the morning and the wet wrap at night with an emollient/ advised moisturiser.

Topical steroid creams are very safe when used correctly. Make sure you use only the lowest potency for the shortest amount of time to control the eczema. Always follow the advice of your doctor or nurse. If you use lots of your child’s emollient throughout the day on a regular basis (even when the skin looks healthy) the need for topical steroids can be reduced.

A normal course of treatment is 7 days. If the skin is still red and sore after this time, continue using it every other day for another 7 days and then use at weekends only. If it is still not better ask your doctor for advice.

Firstly – if your child has weepy, yellow crusty areas which are more painful than the other areas, this could indicate infection. If you are not sure, ask your nurse or GP. Small areas of infection can be treated with a combination cream which contains antibiotic and topical steroid. The antibiotic kills the germs and the topical steroid calms the inflammation. You can use these treatments for up to 2 weeks one or two times a day. If the infection covers a larger areas or if your child is unwell, they may need a course of oral antibiotics from the doctor.

Nothing! Emollient is the medical name for a moisturiser. Don’t use fragranced cosmetic moisturisers on eczema or children’s skin in general.

At least 3 times a day – more frequently if it looks dry or itchy. This will use up around 500g per week – which is one large tub. You can use cream or ointment depending on which your child’s skin responds best to. Apply all over. Scoop out of the pot using a spoon – not your hand. If your child is at school, you will need to arrange for a member of staff or school nurse to apply the moisturiser throughout the day.

No. Soaps and any products that make bubbles can irritate eczema prone skin. Use an emollient to clean the skin instead.

How should I apply the emollient?

Apply in downward strokes in the direction of hair growth. Smooth large quantities on so they look like a snowman before it soaks in.