Eczema Care in Sanford, FL: A Doctor’s Guide to Managing Atopic Dermatitis in Children

As a family physician, I care for many children with eczema—also called atopic dermatitis—and just as many exhausted parents who are trying to do everything right.

If your child is itchy, uncomfortable, waking at night, or constantly flaring despite your best efforts, I want you to know this: eczema is hard, and you are not failing.

Eczema is common, manageable, and very individual. With the right daily care and the right support, most children can achieve good control and live comfortably.

This guide is written for parents in Sanford and the greater Central Florida area who want clear, practical guidance on managing eczema in their children.

What Is Eczema?

Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that affects many children. It commonly causes:

• Dry, sensitive skin

• Red or inflamed patches

• Intense itching

• Flare-ups that come and go

Eczema is not contagious, and it is not caused by poor hygiene or something you did wrong as a parent.

At its core, eczema is a problem with the skin barrier. The skin doesn’t hold moisture as well as it should, which allows irritation and inflammation to develop more easily.

Why Is Eczema So Challenging to Manage?

One of the most frustrating things about eczema is that it doesn’t behave the same way in every child.

Parents often tell me:

• “We can’t figure out what triggers it.”

• “It gets better, then suddenly flares again.”

• “We’ve tried so many products already.”

That’s because eczema management isn’t about a single cream—it’s about daily routines, trigger awareness, and consistency over time.

Common eczema triggers for children in Central Florida may include:

• Heat and sweating

• Humidity and frequent bathing

• Soaps, detergents, and fragrances

• Dry indoor air

• Illness or stress

• Environmental allergens

Every child’s triggers are different, which is why individualized care matters.

The Foundation of Eczema Care: Daily Moisturizing

If there is one thing I want every parent to take away from this article, it’s this:

Consistent moisturizing is the most important treatment for eczema.

How to Moisturize Effectively

• Use thick creams or ointments, not lotions

• Apply at least twice daily, even when the skin looks clear

• Moisturize within three minutes of bathing to lock in moisture

Look for fragrance-free products made for sensitive skin. Thick creams and ointments usually work better than pump lotions.

Daily moisturizing helps:

• Strengthen the skin barrier

• Reduce itching

• Decrease the frequency of flares

Bathing Your Child With Eczema

Many parents worry that bathing makes eczema worse. When done correctly, bathing can actually help.

Eczema-Friendly Bath Tips

• Use lukewarm water, not hot

• Keep baths short (about 10 minutes)

• Use a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser

• Pat the skin dry—do not rub

• Apply moisturizer immediately after

Some children do best with daily baths, while others improve with every-other-day bathing. This is something we tailor to each child.

Managing Eczema Flares Safely

Even with excellent daily care, eczema flares will still happen. That does not mean you’ve failed—it means eczema is a chronic condition.

During flares, treatment may include:

• Prescription anti-inflammatory creams

• Short, targeted courses rather than long-term use

• Clear instructions on where and how to apply medication

When used correctly, these treatments can be very effective and safe.

If you’ve ever felt worried about using prescription creams, I’ve written a separate post explaining the safety of steroid creams for children with eczema, when they’re helpful, and how to use them correctly.

Further Reading: Steroid Cream Safety for Children With Eczema

Breaking the Itch–Scratch Cycle

Itching leads to scratching, which damages the skin and causes more itching—a cycle that’s especially hard for children.

Helpful strategies include:

• Keeping fingernails short

• Dressing children in soft, breathable fabrics

• Moisturizing before bedtime

• Treating inflammation early during flares

Improving nighttime itching often leads to better sleep—for children and parents alike.

When Eczema Needs a Closer Look

Some children may need additional evaluation, especially if they have:

• Frequent skin infections

• Severe or poorly controlled eczema

• Flares that don’t respond to standard care

This doesn’t mean extensive testing for every child. Often, it means time, careful observation, and ongoing adjustment of the treatment plan.

Why Direct Primary Care Works Well for Eczema

Eczema does not respond well to rushed visits.

It requires:

• Education and reassurance

• Ongoing adjustments

• Easy access for questions between flares

• A strong doctor-parent partnership

In a Direct Primary Care model, we have the time to teach proper skin care, personalize treatment plans, and support families through the ups and downs of managing eczema.

For families in Sanford and Central Florida, this relationship-based approach often makes a meaningful difference.

A Final Word to Parents

If your child has eczema, please remember:

You are not doing anything wrong.

Your child’s discomfort is real.

And help is available.

With patience, consistency, and the right support, eczema can be managed—and life can feel normal again.

If you ever feel overwhelmed or unsure, that’s exactly when you should reach out. You don’t have to navigate this alone.