Understanding Eczema in Children

When Dry, Itchy Skin Affects More Than Just Comfort

You may notice your child scratching more than usual. Or perhaps their skin feels rough, red or dry no matter how much moisturiser you apply. For many parents, eczema can feel like a daily battle, some days it is quiet, and other days it flares without warning. At Joyful Seeds Paediatric & Development Clinic in Bukit Timah, we support families in navigating the ups and downs of eczema with compassion, clarity, and gentle care.

Eczema is more than just a skin condition. It affects how your child feels, sleeps, and engages with the world. We are here to help you make sense of it and create a care plan that works for your family’s everyday life.

What Is Eczema and Why It Happens

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a common skin condition in babies and children. It causes the skin to become dry, itchy and inflamed, often in cycles of flare-ups and healing. While the exact cause is not always clear, eczema tends to run in families and may be linked to allergies or an overactive immune response.

Triggers can include:

• Dry weather or heat

• Certain soaps, lotions or detergents

• Food sensitivities or environmental allergens

• Stress or changes in routine

• Scratching or friction on the skin

  
  

Eczema is not contagious, but it can be persistent. With the right support, children with eczema can enjoy healthy, comfortable skin most of the time.

What You Might Notice

Eczema looks different in every child. It can appear on the face, elbows, knees, neck or even behind the ears. You may notice:

• Dry, rough or scaly skin

• Red patches or areas that appear swollen or thickened

• Intense itchiness, especially at night

• Cracked or broken skin that may weep or bleed

• Irritability or disrupted sleep due to discomfort

• Scratching that leads to new rashes or infections

  
  

Parents often feel unsure whether something is a normal skin change or something more. If your child seems uncomfortable, we are here to take a closer look and offer gentle guidance.

---

How We Help at Joyful Seeds

At Joyful Seeds, we take time to understand your child’s eczema story. When did it begin? What has helped? What makes it worse? Each child’s skin is unique, and so is their care plan. During your visit, we will:

• Carefully examine the affected skin

• Discuss your child’s medical history, allergies and skincare routine

• Recommend moisturisers, topical creams or medications that are safe and effective

• Guide you through gentle bathing and moisturising routines

• Offer strategies to reduce scratching and flare-ups

• Support you in planning for school, sleep and daily life with eczema

  
  

Our consultants, Dr Charmaine Teo and Dr Martha Liu, bring years of experience in managing both mild and complex eczema in children. They will walk with you step by step, so you never feel alone in the process.

---

Caring for the Child Behind the Skin

Eczema can be tiring, not just for the child, but for the whole family. You may find yourself changing sheets often, trying different products, or feeling unsure about what will help next. At Joyful Seeds, we care for more than the skin. We care for the child underneath it.

We take your concerns seriously, provide space for your questions, and help your child feel seen and understood. Whether eczema is just beginning or has been part of your life for years, we offer support that feels manageable and kind.

Let Us Help You Find Calm in the Flare-Ups

If your child has dry, itchy skin that does not seem to improve, or if you are feeling uncertain about how to manage eczema at home, we welcome you to reach out. At Joyful Seeds Paediatric & Development Clinic, we will guide you through this gently, with thoughtful treatment, clear advice and a care plan that evolves with your child.

Book a Consultation