Eczema News
Itch-Scratch-Rash Cycle: A constant battle for children affected by eczema
If you have ever suffered from a persistent itch from insect bites or poison ivy, you can imagine what these children are going through
MONTREAL, September 1, 2004 — Over one million children affected by eczema will be heading back to school this year with more on their minds than just meeting their new teachers and classmates. In a recent survey, parents stated that the most aggravating factor caused by their child’s eczema was the constant itch-scratch-rash cycle1. The Eczema Awareness Support and Education (EASE) program, winner of both the 2003 and 2004 Canadian Dermatology Association Public Education Awards, has put together a list of suggestions to help stop this itch-scratch-rash cycle.
"Children affected by eczema often come to school sleep-deprived and unable to concentrate,"says Lyne Tanguay, a kindergarten teacher at St-Émile elementary school in Montreal. "Some are afraid of being teased because their exposed skin is so red and scaly and others can’t participate in arts & crafts or sports activities because their fingers are cracked and bleeding."
Recent data shows that ongoing education and medical treatment are an effective means of coping with this condition2. Conscious of the side effects from the long-term use of common therapies that contain steroids, many eczema sufferers discontinue their treatment. But what they do not know is that when treatment is stopped, the condition is likely to relapse.
"Eczema is caused in part by an imbalance in the immune system. The new topical calcineurin inhibitors, which target one site of the immune imbalance, can help stop the redness and itching of eczema inflammation. This new treatment strategy can often help patients manage their condition more effectively,"explains Dr. Miriam Weinstein, Pediatric dermatologist at the Toronto Hospital for Sick Children.
To help children with eczema get through the school year with flying colours, parents and educators can contact the EASE program and request the brochure called "But it itches so much!". This free pamphlet, which provides information to help understand and manage childhood eczema, was developed by leading Canadian dermatologists.
Making Back To School Easier for Children With Eczema
- If school uniforms are required, ask whether a cotton alternative would be acceptable.
- To avoid perspiration, which can make eczema worse, ask the teacher to seat your child away from heat sources like sunny windows, air vents or radiators.
- Speak to the physical education teacher if sports activities need to be adapted to the child’s needs.
- Children must learn to help themselves by using their medication and other methods to keep their eczema under control. When the child is old enough, involve them in applying their topical medication and moisturizer.
- Learn what you can about how to manage eczema. If you are concerned about the side effects of long-term use of steroids, speak to your doctor about therapeutic advances, including a new class of medication called topical calcineurin inhibitors.
- Many youngsters with severe eczema on their arms and legs want to keep covered up. Embarrassment and rude comments from their peers make children even more self-conscious. Speak to your children about their feelings. Let them know that their condition is not contagious.
- Ask the teacher to conduct a class discussion to introduce such subjects as diversity, tolerance, bullying.
- Obtain fact-based information that you can pass along to your child’s teachers, guidance counsellors and school nurse. The www.eczemacanada.ca website has content that has been approved by the Canadian Dermatology Association. Literature on understanding and managing eczema can also be obtained for free by calling the EASE program at 1 866 432-0362.
1. Mail survey conducted by the EASE program, 2004.
2. What do Canadians know about eczema? Omnibus survey conducted by the EASE program, 2004.
This information can help you take control of eczema right now!
