Managing Asthma and Eczema in Children: A Parent’s Guide

If your child has been diagnosed with asthma or eczema, you’re not alone — these are two of the most common chronic conditions seen in children. While they can feel overwhelming at first, both can be well-managed with the right care and daily routines. At Little Haven Family Clinic, we guide parents through personalised treatment plans, empowering children to live confidently and comfortably.

What is Childhood Asthma?

Asthma is a chronic lung condition that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways. This makes breathing harder, especially during a cold, after exercise, or at night.

Common asthma symptoms in children:

Wheezing or whistling sound when breathing
Persistent cough, especially at night
Chest tightness
Shortness of breath

What Triggers Asthma in Children?

Children with asthma may react to different triggers. These include:

Allergens: dust mites, pollen, mould, pet dander
Airborne irritants: smoke, strong smells, air pollution
Viral infections like the common cold
Weather changes, cold air, or dry wind
Exercise
Stress or strong emotions
Certain medications or food preservatives

Tip: Keep an asthma diary to spot patterns and reduce triggers.

How to Manage Asthma at Home

Asthma is manageable with the right tools. Parents can support their child by:

Using medications correctly
- Preventers reduce inflammation (used daily)
- Relievers open airways during an attack
Practising good inhaler technique
- Ask your doctor or nurse to review it regularly
Avoiding known triggers
- Identify what worsens symptoms and minimise exposure
Staying active with care
- With proper control, most children can still enjoy sports and play

What is Childhood Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)?

Eczema is a chronic skin condition that causes dry, red, itchy patches. It often starts in infancy and tends to flare up in cycles.

Common eczema symptoms:

Dry, scaly skin
Redness and inflammation
Intense itch, especially at night
Crusting or oozing (in severe cases)

What Triggers Eczema in Children?

Some of the most common eczema triggers include:

Temperature or humidity changes
Sweating, heat, or friction
Soaps, fragrances, or harsh skincare products
Dust mites, plush toys, or pets
Stress or emotional upset

Tip: Keep an eczema diary to track what causes flare-ups.

How to Manage Eczema in Children

Managing eczema takes consistency. Parents can help with:

Daily skincare routines
- Use gentle, fragrance-free cleansers
- Moisturise right after bathing to lock in hydration
Choosing skin-friendly clothes
- Soft, loose-fitting cotton is best
- Avoid wool or scratchy fabrics
Preventing scratching
- Trim your child’s nails short and keep skin moisturised
Seeing a doctor for flare-ups
- If the skin is red, swollen, oozing, or if your child has a fever, seek medical attention

When in Doubt, Speak to a Doctor

If your child has asthma or eczema that’s getting worse, it’s important to see a doctor early. Clinics like PaedsEngage or your nearest CHAS GP clinic can assess the symptoms and provide the appropriate care.

At Little Haven Family Clinic, we are a CHAS GP clinic as well as PaedsENGAGE certified. If you’re unsure whether your symptoms are normal or need attention, book an appointment with us here.

📍 Find us at City Square Mall — kid-friendly, centrally located, and open on weekends for your convenience.