From the FDA Drug Label
Directions for itching of skin irritation, inflammation, and rashes: adults and children 2 years of age and older: apply to affected area not more than 3 to 4 times daily children under 2 years of age: ask a doctor Uses temporarily relieves itching associated with minor skin irritations, inflammation, and rashes due to: eczema psoriasis poison ivy, oak, sumac insect bites detergents jewelry cosmetics soaps seborrheic dermatitis
For a child with contact dermatitis, the treatment is to apply hydrocortisone topical to the affected area.
- For children 2 years of age and older: apply not more than 3 to 4 times daily.
- For children under 2 years of age: ask a doctor.
- For children under 12 years of age: ask a doctor before applying hydrocortisone topical for external anal and genital itching 1 1.
From the Research
The treatment for contact dermatitis in a child involves first identifying and removing the irritant or allergen causing the reaction, and then using topical corticosteroids as the first line management, as recommended by the most recent study 2. The goal of treatment is to reduce inflammation, prevent further irritation, and promote healing.
- Identify and remove the irritant or allergen causing the reaction
- Wash the affected area gently with mild soap and water to remove any remaining irritants
- For mild cases, apply over-the-counter 1% hydrocortisone cream twice daily for up to 7 days to reduce inflammation and itching, as suggested by 3
- Cool compresses can provide additional relief when applied for 15-20 minutes several times daily
- Oral antihistamines such as cetirizine (Zyrtec) at 2.5-5mg once daily for children 2-5 years or 5-10mg for children 6+ years can help control itching, particularly at night
- For more severe cases, a pediatrician may prescribe stronger topical steroids like triamcinolone 0.1% or oral steroids like prednisolone (1-2mg/kg/day for 5-7 days), as recommended by 4
- Keeping fingernails short and clean helps prevent secondary infection from scratching
- Dress the child in loose cotton clothing to avoid further irritation
- If the rash covers large areas, shows signs of infection (increasing redness, warmth, pus, or fever), or doesn't improve within a week, seek medical attention promptly, as advised by 5 These treatments work by reducing inflammation and immune response to the triggering substance, allowing the skin to heal naturally. It's essential to note that the most recent study 2 emphasizes the importance of daily skin care and the use of protective devices to prevent further irritation, and that the first therapeutic measure to be implemented is prevention, through the removal of the causative agent.