Eczema season guide: What is the skin condition and how to support your child

As the radiators click on, many families notice something else returning at this time of year – eczema flare‑ups. Autumn’s temperature swings, drier indoor air and long days in classrooms can all aggravate sensitive skin.

As a paediatrician and as a parent, I see the daily challenges families face in managing eczema. The good news is that small, consistent changes at home and school can make a big difference.

What is eczema?

Eczema is an umbrella term for a group of inflammatory conditions that make skin dry, itchy and inflamed. The skin barrier is impaired, leading to loss of moisture and introduction of irritants. The most common type is atopic dermatitis. Atopic eczema can run in families, alongside other atopic conditions, such as asthma and hay fever.

It is very common in Ireland; roughly one in five children have the condition, meaning that there will be children affected in classrooms across the country.

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How it appears changes with age. Babies often have rough, red or scaly patches on the face, trunk and outer limbs. From the toddler years onward, rashes typically settle in the elbow creases, behind the knees, the neck and wrists. The most common symptom is itch, which can lead to an itch-scratch cycle, worsening the eczema rash. When the skin barrier is very inflamed, cracks and weeping can occur, and scratching may lead to infection.

Why can autumn make eczema worse?

Temperature changes: Cold, damp mornings followed by warm classrooms cause the impaired skin barrier to lose moisture quickly.
Low humidity indoors: Central heating dries the air, pulling water out of the outer skin layers.
School irritants: Some uniforms, especially those made of wool blends, harsh detergents, fragranced hand-wash, frequent hand‑sanitiser use and dust-mites can all act as triggers.
Common colds and stress: Viral infections and the stress of new routines can also set off flares.

School skin routine

Cleanse kindly: Keep baths short and lukewarm. Swap foaming soaps and bubble baths for a fragrance-free emollient wash or soap substitute.
Moisturise like clockwork: In colder months, most children need moisturiser twice daily, more frequently if skin feels tight or itchy. Apply the moisturiser in a smooth downward motion, in the direction of hair growth. Apply a rich cream or ointment within three minutes of bathing.
Dress the part: Choose soft, 100 per cent cotton layers next to the skin and keep wool for outerwear. Wash uniforms with fragrance‑free, non‑bio detergent.
Talk to the teacher: Let teachers know about your child’s eczema. Packing a small, labelled tube of emollient in the schoolbag, and having an agreed plan with the teacher, helps children reapply during the day if needed. A reusable water bottle is important for hydration. Practical tips, such as sitting a child away from a hot radiator can be helpful.
Use anti‑inflammatories correctly: When a flare appears, prescription topical steroids, or other anti‑inflammatories, calm the redness and itch. Follow the directions given by your child’s doctor on how often and how long to use them; undertreating is a common reason flares linger.
Spot and avoid triggers: Typical culprits can include fragranced skincare, certain detergents, over-heating, low humidity, house dust mites and seasonal pollen. Not every trigger applies to every child; keep a simple diary to identify patterns.

Supporting your child

The physical discomfort of eczema is only part of the challenge. Eczema affects sleep, mood and confidence. Children may feel self-conscious about their skin, especially if they have visible patches on the face, arms, or legs. It is important to talk openly. Acknowledge your child’s feelings and reassure them that eczema is nothing to be ashamed of.

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Although time-consuming, try to make the time spent applying emollients fun for children. Some parents find distraction or a reward chart works well for their child. Acknowledge the itch, celebrate small wins and involve your child in choosing moisturisers and building their routine. Older children do better when they understand why each step matters. Helping children and teens build emotional resilience is as important as any topical cream.

Having a one-line explanation is useful: “It’s eczema, it’s not contagious, and it makes my skin itchy,” can help children respond confidently to questions. Confidence and inclusion matter when it comes to thriving at school.

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One third to one half of Irish children have insufficient vitamin D levels (<50nmol/L). Vitamin D is important for bone health and immune function. Some studies suggest children who are deficient may see eczema improve once levels are corrected, but research results are mixed, and it’s not a stand‑alone cure.

Irish sunlight is weak in Winter and national guidance from the HSE recommends seasonal supplementation for children. Discuss dosing with your pharmacist or GP.

When to seek medical help

Most children can be managed with a solid routine and prescribed creams, but there are times when medical review is important:
Skin shows signs of infection: rapidly spreading redness, blistering, oozing, crusting, fever.
Itch is disrupting sleep, concentration, or schoolwork.
Eczema is affecting a child’s attendance at school.
Flares persist despite diligent moisturising and correct use of treatments.

Looking after parents too

Managing a child’s eczema can be exhausting. The endless laundry, creams, and sleepless nights take their toll. Parents often report that they feel guilty or judged, as though their child’s skin is somehow their fault.

It isn’t.

Eczema is complex, with genetic and environmental factors that no parent can fully control. What helps is community. Linking with other parents, or support groups, such as the Irish Skin Foundation can provide reassurance that you are not alone.

Bottom line

Autumn doesn’t have to mean a surge in sore skin. Eczema management at school extends beyond skincare: it’s about confidence, inclusion and practical support.

With a clear plan, informed staff and a steady skincare routine, eczema need not shape your child’s school life.