How I approach and treat the itchy child

Itch is the cardinal symptom of atopic eczema, which now affects one in five children. It is, therefore, always the most likely diagnosis in an ‘itchy’ child. However, it should be remembered that not all itching is due to eczema. This article discusses the different causes of itch, some of the diagnoses other than eczema, and the subsequent treatments that need to be considered when faced with an itchy child.