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From dry skin in the newborn to atopic eczema in the infant and child, health professionals in primary care play a crucial role in supporting families in the care of skin, and the treatment and management of skin conditions in children. The evidence base can be conflicting and guidance changes frequently. With so much information to share with new parents, baby skincare is often seen as a lower priority when imparting health promotion advice than other areas such as safe sleep or infant feeding. It has been argued that, with the rising prevalence of atopic eczema in the UK population, advice to parents about what to be concerned about and when to seek medical advice is imperative. This article explores the evidence on general skincare from the newborn period to the treatment and management of common skin conditions, including atopic eczema and seborrheic dermatitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atopic eczema is a common skin condition affecting approximately 20% of school-age children. The management of complex atopic eczema can be challenging. This paper aims to provide guidance on the management of complex cases and when to refer children for specialist advice. Emollients should form the basis of management and be used even when eczema is clear. When children experience a flare of their eczema, topical treatments should be stepped up accordingly. With clear guidance relating to management and referral, it is important when caring for these children that the health practitioner has a depth of knowledge and expertise to provide a comprehensive plan of care, is able to answer the many questions children and their parents may have, and intervene and refer appropriately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Olive oil is commonly recommended by health professionals to new parents for use in the prevention and treatment of the term baby's dry skin, and for baby massage. There is no evidence to support this practice. The use of olive oil may be harmful to skin, affecting skin barrier function. This effect may be a contributory factor in the prevalence of childhood conditions such as atopic eczema. This paper discusses a national online audit of UK maternity hospitals (n = 67) and neonatal units (n = 33) performed between November 2010 and January 2011. Our findings confirm that oil use on babies' skin is common practice. As the direct cost to the NHS for treatment of atopic eczema is high, it is imperative that further research in this area is performed, preferably in the form of a randomized controlled trial. Health professionals will then be in a position to provide accurate information to parents with regard to oil in baby skin care regimens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atopic eczema, also referred to as dermatitis, is an inflammatory chronic skin disease that commonly develops in childhood. This condition ranges from birth to 12 years old and affects both genders equally. Atopic eczema affects people of all ages but children in particular. The prevalence rate for atopic eczema is around 15-20% in children and 2-10% in adults (Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network [SIGN], 2011), and accounts for 30% of all dermatological consultations in primary care (Shamssain, 2007). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]