Eczema is more common than we may think and in primary schools it is more than likely that a few children per class will have it.
My daughter Jasmine is now seven years old and still settling into year three in her new school, so she is more self conscious around her peers when it comes to her Eczema.
Coupled with starting back in September and the change in weather this October, Jasmine is having some flare ups of Eczema that seem to be recurring in the same places, lower back, tops of thighs and around her bottom.
I've noticed that Jasmine is more aware of what other children may think of her with having Eczema so she tries to keep it hidden, she has anxiety because of being bullied for various reasons at her last school. Eczema has definitely taken a toll on Jasmines mental wellbeing and has a psychological impact on her and she can often feel frustrated and irritable due to her Eczema. I encourage Jasmine to speak to her friends so they understand what Eczema is and that it is not contagious.
We use emollients daily and have also sent one into school in Jasmine's medical bag so she can use it when necessary.
Jasmine can't wear tights as she finds them really uncomfortable and they seem to be a definite trigger for a flare up so she wears trousers to school, the seams on the trousers can sometimes be quite rough so during a flare up I try to encourage Jasmine to wear her Clinifast leggings which offer some relief especially when applying emollient.
As most carers and sufferers of Eczema know that this condition often keeps us awake during the night with the intense itching; this leads to tiredness and irritability the next day, which can impact the school day negatively. It is hard to concentrate when we are tired.
Jasmine doesn't sit on the carpet at school anymore because together with her Dermatologist we realised the Dust in the carpet was also a trigger for flare ups.
Did you know that stress at school e.g. falling out with friends, being bullied, cleaning materials, or materials used in activities can also be causing flare ups?
Another thing we over looked was PE, Jasmine is very sporty by nature and loves PE but this can also cause prolonged flare ups from being in a sweaty PE kit all day!
We can't wait for half term this week as it gives us a clear chance at clearing up Jasmines skin, ready for the next battle of flare up next term!!
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