Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is marked by reddened, crusty and itchy skin. For infants and young children, this condition can be especially troublesome since it's difficult to stop them from scratching or rubbing their skin, which can make the condition worse.

Eczema is caused by an immune system reaction in the skin. Because your granddaughter's immune system reaction can't be changed, her eczema can't be cured. But, it is highly treatable by thoroughly moisturizing her skin and giving her medications to decrease her immune system's response.

To make your granddaughter's skin better moisturized and lessen the uncomfortable effects of eczema, you can:

• Bathe your granddaughter no more than once a day and for no longer than 15 minutes to preserve the natural oils in her skin.
• Use warm (not hot) bath water and a bath oil that is preservative-, dye- and perfume-free. This will help her retain moisture from a lotion applied after her bath.
• Use a mild soap for washing, such as Dove, Purpose, Cetaphil or Vanicream brand soaps.
• Apply a moisturizing lotion meant for sensitive skin, such as Vanicream, Aquaphor, Cetaphil or Vaseline brand lotion, within three minutes after your granddaughter's bath.
• Use perfume- and dye-free laundry detergents and avoid fabric softeners and dryer sheets. Perfumes left on your granddaughter's clothes after they are washed could further irritate her skin.

In severe cases, skin care can be complemented with medications and treatments at the hospital for additional relief. Your granddaughter's doctor may recommend:

• Hydrocortisone-containing lotion.
• Nonsteroidal immune-modulating creams, such as tacrolimus (Protopic) or pimecrolimus (Elidel).
• Antihistamines.
• Antibiotics, if rashes become infected.
• Wet-dressing treatment in a hospital. A steroidal or nonsteroidal immune-modulating cream is applied to the skin. Then, the skin is wrapped in cotton material that has been soaked in water or an antiseptic solution. This protects the skin from environmental irritants and helps it to absorb the medication.