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Mothers of newborn children may be able to help prevent eczema by breastfeeding their children. Some studies have shown that children who are breastfed are less likely to develop eczema. Women who are breastfeeding may want to discuss with a physician whether or not to give up certain dietary items that may trigger allergies in their child. These include cow’s milk, eggs, fish, peanuts and soy.

While eczema cannot always be prevented, certain steps can be taken to reduce the risk of flare-ups. Children with the form of eczema known as contact dermatitis are encouraged to avoid coming into contact with irritating substances – such as poison ivy or harsh soaps – that may trigger the condition.

Many other forms of eczema can be partially or fully prevented by avoiding dry skin. Tips for helping to achieve this goal include:

• Bathe less frequently. When possible, children should bathe just two or three times a week, limiting themselves to 15 minutes of bathing in warm – rather than hot – water.  Adding oatmeal to the bath may help reduce itchiness in some patients.
  
  
• Use mild soaps or synthetic detergents. Mild soaps clean without excessively removing natural oils. Soap substitutes (synthetic detergents) in bar, gel and liquid forms dry the skin less than deodorant and antibacterial soaps. Soap should be used on the face, underarms, genital areas, hands and feet. Clear water can be used elsewhere. Scented soaps should be avoided.
  
  
• Dry skin carefully. Brush the skin rapidly with the palms of the hands, or gently pat skin dry with a towel after bathing.
  
  
• Moisturize skin. While skin is still damp, seal in moisture with an oil or cream, especially on the legs, arms, back and the sides of the body. More frequent moisturizing may be necessary during the winter, when the skin tends to be drier. Lotions, which often contain water or alcohol, are not usually helpful for eczema because they do not moisturize dry skin as effectively.
  
  
• Wear gloves in the winter. Exposing skin to cold air with little humidity can dry out skin.
  
  
• Encourage the child to drink plenty of water. Consuming fluids can help add moisture to the skin.

Other tips for preventing eczema or for reducing symptoms associated with the disease include avoiding:

• Substances that provoke allergies (allergens), which may trigger atopic dermatitis. This may include pollen, molds, dust and certain types of foods (e.g., cow’s milk, eggs, fish, peanuts, soy).
  
  
• Tight-fitting, rough or scratchy clothing. Wool and some synthetics are especially likely to irritate the skin. Cotton and cotton blends are better choices. Loose-fitting clothing can help prevent overheating.
  
  
• Scratching the skin rash. For children who find it difficult to control this urge, parents should cover the area with a dressing or have the child wear gloves at night to minimize damage to the skin caused by scratching. Parents should also keep their children's nails short. Shorter nails make it less likely that a child will damage the skin when scratching. This can reduce the odds of a secondary infection. Frequent washing of the child’s hands can also help prevent infection.
  
  
• Strenuous exercise during a flare-up. Sweating can irritate the rash.
  
  
• Mental and physical stress. Stress can trigger flare-ups.
  
  
• Contact with solvents and soaking in water. People who use solvents or who use water to clean should wear gloves to protect the skin on their hands.

As children grow older, they may become increasingly self-conscious about the cosmetic damage that eczema can cause to the skin. There are several steps these youths can take to minimize such damage. For example, taking short showers in lukewarm water helps reduce the risk of eczema flare-ups. Using hypoallergenic moisturizers (which are designed to reduce the likelihood of allergic reaction) also can help protect the skin. Youths who use makeup and sunscreens are urged to make sure these are also hypoallergenic.