New Treatments for Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema) in Children
Content reviewed against published AAP, NIH, AAP guidelines
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Baby skin is sensitive and changes frequently. If you are noticing new treatments for atopic dermatitis (eczema) in children, here is what you need to know.
The short answer
Treatment for atopic dermatitis in children has advanced significantly in recent years. While moisturizers and topical steroids remain first-line treatments, newer options include non-steroidal topical medications (like crisaborole), biologic therapies (like dupilumab, approved for children 6 months and older), and JAK inhibitors. Most children's eczema is well-managed with basic skin care and mild topical treatments, but these newer options provide hope for moderate-to-severe cases.
Key takeaways
- Treatment for atopic dermatitis in children has advanced significantly in recent years. While moisturizers and topical steroids remain first-line treatments, newer options include non-steroidal topical medications (like crisaborole), biologic therapies (like dupilumab, approved for children 6 months and older), and JAK inhibitors. Most children's eczema is well-managed with basic skin care and mild topical treatments, but these newer options provide hope for moderate-to-severe cases.
- Usually normal when: Your baby has mild eczema patches that respond well to regular moisturizing and occasional low-potency steroid cream.
- Call your doctor if: Your baby's eczema patches are oozing, crusting yellow, or show signs of infection (spreading redness, warmth, pus).
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
“Eczema is very common in babies and children. About 1 in 10 children will develop eczema, typically starting in the first few months of life.”
Parents everywhere have the same worry. You are doing the right thing by looking into it.
By Age
What to expect by age
0-6 months
Eczema often first appears in infancy, typically on the cheeks, scalp, and outer limbs. First-line treatment at this age is frequent moisturizing with fragrance-free emollients and short courses of low-potency topical steroids for flares. Bathing practices matter - short lukewarm baths followed immediately by moisturizer (soak and seal). Crisaborole (Eucrisa), a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, is FDA-approved for ages 3 months and older. Identifying and avoiding triggers like harsh soaps or certain fabrics is also important.
6-24 months
If eczema is moderate to severe and not adequately controlled with topical therapies, dupilumab (Dupixent) is now FDA-approved for children as young as 6 months with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis. This biologic is given as an injection and works by targeting specific immune pathways involved in eczema. It has shown significant improvement in skin clearance and itch reduction in clinical trials. Your dermatologist or allergist can help determine if this option is appropriate for your child.
2-3 years
Toddlers with persistent eczema have several treatment options. Topical calcineurin inhibitors (tacrolimus and pimecrolimus) can be used for sensitive areas like the face and skin folds where steroid use should be minimized. For more severe cases, JAK inhibitors (topical ruxolitinib is approved for ages 2+) offer another non-steroidal option. Wet wrap therapy, dilute bleach baths, and allergy testing to identify triggers can also be part of a comprehensive management plan.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Your baby has mild eczema patches that respond well to regular moisturizing and occasional low-potency steroid cream.
- Eczema flares coincide with identifiable triggers like dry weather, certain foods, or illness, and resolve with treatment.
- Your child's eczema is mostly controlled but requires consistent daily skin care routines.
- Your baby's eczema is not responding to over-the-counter moisturizers and low-potency topical steroids.
- Eczema is affecting your child's sleep, mood, or quality of life despite current treatment.
- You are using topical steroids frequently (more than 2 weeks continuously) and the eczema keeps returning.
- Your baby's eczema patches are oozing, crusting yellow, or show signs of infection (spreading redness, warmth, pus).
- Your baby develops sudden widespread blistering skin lesions that could indicate eczema herpeticum (a serious viral infection of eczematous skin).
- Your child is in severe distress from itching, has open wounds from scratching, or is refusing to eat or sleep due to skin discomfort.
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss New Treatments for Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema) in Children.
Things to mention
- Your baby's eczema is not responding to over-the-counter moisturizers and low-potency topical steroids.
- Eczema is affecting your child's sleep, mood, or quality of life despite current treatment.
- You are using topical steroids frequently (more than 2 weeks continuously) and the eczema keeps returning.
Observations to share
- Your baby's eczema is not responding to over-the-counter moisturizers and low-potency topical steroids.
- Eczema is affecting your child's sleep, mood, or quality of life despite current treatment.
- You are using topical steroids frequently (more than 2 weeks continuously) and the eczema keeps returning.
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Your baby's eczema patches are oozing, crusting yellow, or show signs of infection (spreading redness, warmth, pus).
- Your baby develops sudden widespread blistering skin lesions that could indicate eczema herpeticum (a serious viral infection of eczematous skin).
- Your child is in severe distress from itching, has open wounds from scratching, or is refusing to eat or sleep due to skin discomfort.
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
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Research has found statistical associations between atopic conditions (eczema, food allergies, asthma) and certain neurodevelopmental differences such as ADHD and autism spectrum disorder. However, having allergies does not mean your child will be neurodivergent, and most children with allergies develop typically. These conditions may share some underlying immune and genetic pathways, but one does not cause the other.
Baby Hives (Urticaria)
Hives are raised, red, itchy welts that can appear suddenly on your baby's skin. They are most often caused by a viral infection or an allergic reaction to food, medication, or an insect bite. While they can look alarming, hives are usually harmless and resolve on their own, though any breathing difficulty needs immediate emergency care.
My Baby Got a Rash After Antibiotics
A rash during or after antibiotics is very common in babies and children, occurring in up to 10% of those taking amoxicillin. Most antibiotic rashes are non-allergic reactions that appear as flat, pink, widespread spots and are not dangerous. However, it is important to distinguish this from a true allergic reaction involving hives, so contact your pediatrician to help determine which type of rash your baby has.
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Frequently asked questions
Is new treatments for atopic dermatitis (eczema) in children normal?
When should I call the doctor about new treatments for atopic dermatitis (eczema) in children?
When is new treatments for atopic dermatitis (eczema) in children normal?
What causes new treatments for atopic dermatitis (eczema) in children?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about new treatments for atopic dermatitis (eczema) in children?
Is new treatments for atopic dermatitis (eczema) in children normal at 0-6 months?
Is new treatments for atopic dermatitis (eczema) in children normal at 6-24 months?
Should I go to the ER for new treatments for atopic dermatitis (eczema) in children?
Does new treatments for atopic dermatitis (eczema) in children go away on its own?
References
- [1]American Academy of Pediatrics. Atopic Dermatitis: Management and Treatment Updates. Pediatrics, 2023. AAP
- [2]National Institutes of Health. Dupilumab in Children Aged 6 Months to 5 Years with Atopic Dermatitis. NEJM, 2022. NIH
- [3]American Academy of Pediatrics. Eczema in Babies and Children. HealthyChildren.org. AAP
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
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Bottom line
Most cases of new treatments for atopic dermatitis (eczema) in children are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if your baby's eczema patches are oozing, crusting yellow, or show signs of infection (spreading redness, warmth, pus).
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
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Related Skin Concerns
Are Allergies Linked to Neurodivergence in Children?
Research has found statistical associations between atopic conditions (eczema, food allergies, asthma) and certain neurodevelopmental differences such as ADHD and autism spectrum disorder. However, having allergies does not mean your child will be neurodivergent, and most children with allergies develop typically. These conditions may share some underlying immune and genetic pathways, but one does not cause the other.
Baby Hives (Urticaria)
Hives are raised, red, itchy welts that can appear suddenly on your baby's skin. They are most often caused by a viral infection or an allergic reaction to food, medication, or an insect bite. While they can look alarming, hives are usually harmless and resolve on their own, though any breathing difficulty needs immediate emergency care.
My Baby Got a Rash After Antibiotics
A rash during or after antibiotics is very common in babies and children, occurring in up to 10% of those taking amoxicillin. Most antibiotic rashes are non-allergic reactions that appear as flat, pink, widespread spots and are not dangerous. However, it is important to distinguish this from a true allergic reaction involving hives, so contact your pediatrician to help determine which type of rash your baby has.
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