Family, Friends, School, and Childhood Eczema

When a child has eczema, the entire family may be affected. It is important that families have additional support to help them cope with the stress and frustration associated with the disease. The child may be fussy and difficult, and often is unable to keep from scratching and rubbing their skin.

Eczema is a very individual disease. For some parents, managing a child's eczema outside of the house may not be necessary because the symptoms are not severe enough. But for some children, constant attention is necessary.

Another issue families face is the social and emotional stress associated with disfigurement caused by eczema. The child may face difficulty in school or other social relationships that may require additional support and encouragement from family members. Children with eczema can often endure terrible teasing from other students because of the way their skin looks. Educating teachers and students about eczema may help them to better deal with the disease. Parents may find it helpful to meet and discuss the child's eczema with school nurses, teachers and classmates.

Tips for managing eczema at school

• Ask that your child be seated away from any heat sources, like sunny windows, air vents, or radiators.
• If school uniforms are required, ensure that a cotton alternative is acceptable.
• Over-heating from school activities or sports may aggravate the eczema. Sore or cracked skin may also prevent your child from taking part in some sports. Work with the school's gym teacher to develop a fitness program that meets your child's needs.
• Children may feel embarrassed at exposing their skin. Help your child deal with the possibility of hurtful comments and if possible, help educate other classmates about eczema. Be sure to stress that eczema is not contagious.
• Swimming. Saltwater or chlorine may irritate skin. Applying an emollient before swimming and after showering can help.
• Over-tired. The discomfort and itch of eczema can mean that your child is restless and unable to sleep at night. Your child may be irritable or tired at school. Work with teachers and administrators to find a solution that everyone can live with.
• School activities. Some school activities that involve paste, paint, clay, food preparation, wood or metal shop may cause an eczema 'flare-up'. It is best to talk to your child about what things they can do and what things they can not. Offer alternatives so that they don't feel left out.
• Food. Some foods may make your child's eczema worse. Inform the school of any food triggers and make sure your child understands which foods they should stay away from.
• It's hard for children not to scratch, but it is equally important that they don't. Inform your child's teachers of this, and ask that they quietly remind the child not to scratch if they notice it during class. Let the teachers know that it may be an unconscious reaction and that often the child just needs to be made aware that they are scratching.
• While certain activities such as sports, art and crafts may not be possible in severe cases, it is important to encourage your child to pursue as normal a life as their condition permits. Encourage your child to talk to other children about their condition, and speak openly about eczema with other parents and teachers who have contact with your child.

---

This information can help you take control of eczema right now!