Atopic eczema in under 12s: diagnosis and management

Your child's care

Treatment and care should take into account children's needs and preferences, as well as those of their parents or carers, and you have the right to be fully informed and to make decisions in partnership with your child's healthcare team. Sometimes, children can give consent for themselves, depending on their age and how well they understand. Sometimes, you will be asked to give consent for them as their parent or the person with parental responsibility. If you need more information on consent, you can look at the information on the NHS website on consent to treatment for children and young people.

All healthcare professionals should treat you and your child with respect, sensitivity and understanding, and explain atopic eczema and its management simply and clearly.

The information you get from your child's healthcare team should include details of the possible benefits and risks of particular treatments. You and your child can ask any questions you want to and you can always change your mind as your child's treatment progresses or your child's condition or your own circumstances change.

Your child's treatment and care, and the information you are given about it, should take account of any religious, ethnic or cultural needs your family may have. It should also take into account any additional factors, such as physical or learning disabilities, sight or hearing problems, or difficulties reading or speaking English. Your child's healthcare team should be able to arrange an interpreter and/or an advocate (someone who supports you in putting across your views) if you need them.