New eczema guides launched for struggling parents
Eczema affects one in five children in the UK and the numbers have been increasing steadily over the last 30 years. Now, 15-20 per cent of school children are affected by the most common form of eczema – atopic eczema. There are many other different types of eczema and in the sufferer these can range from mild to severe cases. At its worst, eczema can make the skin dry, itchy and become raw, bleeding and infected.
The condition is more than just a patch of itchy skin, eczema can be debilitating for the sufferer as the condition can affect every aspect of day to day living. This subsequently has a knock on effect for the whole family, as parents struggle to manage their child’s condition.
Despite the rise in cases, Oilatum Junior conducted a GP survey earlier this year revealing that just 14 per cent of GPs questioned felt they had enough time in appointments to help parents and children treat eczema.
Only a staggeringly small 6 per cent of GPs gave parents written information on how to treat their child’s eczema and only 7 per cent were frequently able to demonstrate how to effectively apply emollient.
When conducting research into the effect children’s eczema had on their lives and their family’s lives, 20 per cent of people surveyed said their child was bullied at school because of their condition and 15 per cent said it made them reconsider having any more children in case they have eczema too.
For a condition that has such a major impact on family life, it is shocking that 34 per cent of parents had received no information from their GPs or practice nurse to help them manage the condition.
The cause of atopic eczema is not totally known. Common triggers include:
Soap, detergents, dust, pollen, perfumes, pet fur, dogs and cats, dust mites, itchy man-made fabrics, grass cuttings, pollen, biological washing powder, tobacco smoke, being too hot, stress and tiredness.
Try to find out what triggers your child’s eczema. Your doctor will most likely have prescribed an emollient or steroid to manage the condition. If you are not sure how to apply creams then get your doctor or nurse to demonstrate.
Don’t forget to keep applying emollient. You may be surprised exactly how much is needed. Always use clean hands and smooth gently across the skin In the direction of hair growth.
Don’t use shampoo, soap or bubble bath when washing your child just use the prescribed bath emollient
If the skin starts to clear up don’t stop applying emollients
Use a reward system for children who don’t like having cream applied. It sucks all round so try to keep the sympathy going.
Keep bedclothes washed regularly
Damp dust surfaces
Vacuum carpets often
The 19 -27 September 2009 is National Eczema week. The National Eczema Society is launching a booklet to help parents cope with the itching caused by the condition.
Chief Executive of the National Eczema Society, Margaret Cox, said: “Given the individual nature of the condition, and the range of symptoms and triggers experienced by different patients, there is no “one size fits all” treatment regime for those with eczema.
“Finding what works for you and your skin can be a long, frustrating and painful process which is why we?re here to equip patients with the knowledge and skills they need to successfully treat their eczema, as well as providing practical and emotional support.”
Oilatum Junior have also created a useful booklet for parents struggling to treat their child’s eczema. The free publication is full of tips and advice on how to cope and remain confident about the condition. It is free to download from their website: www.oilatum.co.uk
A free copy of ‘Itching & Scratching’ can be requested by emailing helpline@eczema.org from the 19 September onwards. Alternatively, call the National Eczema Society helpline on 0800 089 1122 to order your free copy.
