ECZEMA IN KIDS
What is Eczema?
Well, eczema is actually the name for a certain group of conditions, and these conditions cause the skin to become red, itchy and inflamed. There are, in truth, eight types of eczema. There are lots of cases of eczema affecting children as you can see on the TV news.
But among children, the most common are the following types: atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis and seborrheic dermatitis, also known as “cradle cap”. Eczema, especially in the form of atopic dermatitis, often appears in the first six months to 5 years of a child’s life.
WHAT CAN YOU DO AS A PARENT
One common misconception of eczema is that it is contagious. Thus, because of this misconception, some children sometimes have to suffer a lot of bullying and rejection among peers which is also a form of child abuse or kindermishandeling. Kids who do not understand the sickness have a tendency to be ticked off at the sight of red and inflamed skin of their playmates. It is then the job of the adults, specifically the parents, to make kids understand that its is actually not contagious. You can’t “catch it” from someone else.
If children can be made to understand that eczema is not contagious, then there will be less likelihood for them to bully those who are suffering from it. There really is no reason to avoid playing with those who have it, mainly because it can’t be passed on to you, and that’s a fact.
Moreover, as a parent, it might also help if you start establishing a regular bathing and cleansing routine for your child. Make sure that this bathing routine includes items and materials which will certainly lock in moisture. This is important because moisture when locked in, can prevent your child’s skin from becoming dry, which is one of the most common causes or triggers of eczema. If you can see to it that your child’s bathing routine is one that really ensures moisture, then you can be pretty sure that you’re a step closer to avoiding eczema for your child.
For such moisturizing bath materials, you can try shopping for them online at Lazada. Of course, for you to get them cheaper, make sure that you use the voucher code for Lazada Philippines. You can search a lot of discounts online such as Groupon discount code or Amazon coupon code.
You can also try to check on your child’s diet, because that may also provide a clue into what’s triggering the eczema. Watch out for certain food which your child eats which just makes the itches flare up more. It’s important that your child knows (especially in an age that your child is already capable of understanding and comprehending) what food to avoid, if he or she doesn’t want to itch so much.
One last thing, as a parent, it’s also important that you involve your child’s school in the discussion. Talk to your child’s advisor, even the subject teachers, if that’s something you’re willing to do and if there’s a need for you to go that far. Help all of them understand that what your child is going through is not just some random health issue; it also has psychological implications, especially when the bullying starts to kick in. Make it clear to them that they have an important part to play, too.
(Bonus tip: you can also give certain incentives for your child, like go on trips just to make him or her feel better. You can go to Disneyland Hong Kong, for instance, using the Klook promo code Disneyland Hong Kong. You can use an Expedia voucher for traveling with discounts and you can save more money for your budget. It’ll be good for your child, and that’s a promise.)
Fiona Harris | ItchyKids
Fiona Harris is a mother and a dermatologist. Her expertise is with children’s cases, and she has had countless of patients with eczema. She believes that though eczema cannot be absolutely cured, it can be treated and managed, with the right attitude and consistency in lifestyle. In her spare time, she writes articles about parenting, traveling in Amsterdam and sightseeing canal cruise and and common childhood diseases.