Navigating Childhood Atopic Dermatitis

What a Dermatologist Wants Families to Know About Atopic Dermatitis
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What a Dermatologist Wants Families to Know About Atopic Dermatitis
Learn how mild to moderate atopic dermatitis affects children, what daily care can look like, and explore real family experiences through an interactive quiz
By Julia Sullivan Published: Apr 13, 2026
Courtesy of Subject
Sponsored by Incyte
Dr. Spizuoco was compensated for her participation.
When you’re caring for a child with atopic dermatitis , you’re often managing far more than dry or itchy skin. You’re helping them live with a chronic inflammatory condition that can affect daily routines—from getting dressed in the morning to playing outside with friends.
Atopic dermatitis, the most common type of eczema, affects an estimated 3 to 4 million children ages 2 to 11 and more than 8 million people ages 12 and older in the United States. “Symptoms often appear in infancy or early childhood and can change over time,” says Amy Spizuoco, D.O., FAOCD , a board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist. “Flare-ups can be uncomfortable and unpredictable, sometimes making even simple activities feel harder than they should.”
Children’s skin is still developing, which can make it especially sensitive to the world around them. “Their skin can lose moisture more easily and react to things like temperature changes, certain fabrics, or soaps,” Dr. Spizuoco explains. “That’s why consistency matters. Daily care doesn’t have to be complicated—even small, steady habits can help support the skin barrier over time.”
Eczema care works best when families and dermatologists take a proactive approach from the start. For many families, that begins with a gentle, consistent skin-care routine early on. Moisturizing regularly can help support the skin barrier, and mild, fragrance-free products may help minimize irritation. “By working with a dermatologist early on, families can better understand triggers and develop routines that help manage symptoms day to day, rather than reacting once flares disrupt daily life,” Dr. Spizuoco says. She adds that even simple habits like keeping fingernails short can help limit skin damage from scratching during flares.
But the physical symptoms are only part of the experience. “Living with eczema can affect one’s emotional health and overall sense of well-being,” Dr. Spizuoco notes. “It’s important for kids to hear that eczema is common and that it’s not something they caused.” Open conversations and reassurance can help children feel supported as they learn to manage their symptoms.
Families experience childhood eczema differently. Hear stories from real families about their experience at MyMomentsofClarity.com .
For some children, daily skin care alone may not be enough to keep symptoms under control. Depending on a child’s individual needs, a dermatologist may recommend prescription treatment as part of a broader care plan. One option some dermatologists may consider is OPZELURA ® (ruxolitinib) cream 1.5%—a non-steroidal, twice-daily cream that is FDA-approved for the short-term and non-continuous chronic treatment of mild to moderate eczema in certain people 2 years and older whose disease is not well-controlled with topical prescription therapies or when those therapies are not recommended.
The use of OPZELURA along with therapeutic biologics, other JAK inhibitors, or strong immunosuppressants such as azathioprine or cyclosporine is not recommended. It is not known if OPZELURA is safe and effective in children less than 2 years of age with atopic dermatitis.
OPZELURA is not for everyone. It can cause side effects, including serious side effects. See below for IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION including Boxed Warning for Serious Infections, Increased Risk of Death, Lymphoma and other Cancers, Major Cardiovascular Events and Blood Clots.
“Finding the right approach often takes time and ongoing conversations,” Dr. Spizuoco says. “For some children, that can include prescription, non-steroidal treatments like OPZELURA that are thought to regulate eczema at key sources of inflammation. When combined with dermatologist-guided care and a consistent routine, families can develop strategies to help manage symptoms day to day.”
Every family’s path with childhood eczema looks a little different. Some are focused on daily routines and trigger management, while others are navigating prescription treatment as part of their care plan. The interactive quiz below is designed to help you explore the patient journey that best reflects your family’s experience.
Take the quiz to hear more about the patient-caregiver journey. Use their stories to give you and your child more clarity and confidence as you navigate the condition.
Keep reading below for Important Safety Information.
INDICATION AND USAGE
OPZELURA is a prescription medicine used on the skin (topical) for the short-term and non-continuous chronic treatment of mild to moderate eczema (atopic dermatitis) in non-immunocompromised adults and children 2 years of age and older whose disease is not well controlled with topical prescription therapies or when those therapies are not recommended.
The use of OPZELURA along with therapeutic biologics, other JAK inhibitors, or strong immunosuppressants such as azathioprine or cyclosporine is not recommended.
It is not known if OPZELURA is safe and effective in children less than 2 years of age with atopic dermatitis.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
OPZELURA is for use on the skin only. Do not use OPZELURA in your eyes, mouth, or vagina.
OPZELURA may cause serious side effects, including:
Serious Infections: OPZELURA contains ruxolitinib. Ruxolitinib belongs to a class of medicines called Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors. JAK inhibitors are medicines that affect your immune system. JAK inhibitors can lower the ability of your immune system to fight infections. Some people have had serious infections while taking JAK inhibitors by mouth, including tuberculosis (TB), and infections caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses that can spread throughout the body. Some people have been hospitalized or died from these infections. Some people have had serious infections of their lungs while taking OPZELURA. Your healthcare provider should watch you closely for signs and symptoms of TB during treatment with OPZELURA.
OPZELURA should not be used in people with an active, serious infection, including localized infections. You should not start using OPZELURA if you have any kind of infection unless your healthcare provider tells you it is okay. You may be at a higher risk of developing shingles (herpes zoster) while using OPZELURA.
Increased risk of death due to any reason (all causes): Increased risk of death has happened in people 50 years of age and older who have at least 1 heart disease (cardiovascular) risk factor and are taking a medicine in the class of medicines called JAK inhibitors by mouth.
Cancer and immune system problems: OPZELURA may increase your risk of certain cancers by changing the way your immune system works. Lymphoma and other cancers have happened in people taking a medicine in the class of medicines called JAK inhibitors by mouth. People taking JAK inhibitors by mouth have a higher risk of certain cancers including lymphoma and lung cancer, especially if they are a current or past smoker. Some people have had skin cancers while usin…

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