How to Make School Easier For Your Eczema-Prone Child

Sending your eczema-prone child off to school can be a difficult time for many parents. Indeed, how will your child deal with the situation if a flare-up occurs? Additionally, will the teachers react and respond swiftly and positively? Moreover, how will the other children handle it? Our hearts are heavy just thinking about it. Nevertheless, school doesn’t have to be a stressful transition. All it takes is a positive attitude, communication and understanding with your child and school faculty, and some preventative measures.

Tips to Help Your Child

• Teaching your child to understand and accept eczema early which will help them learn to live with it without feeling ashamed or embarrassed.
  
  
• Teach them to take treatment and management seriously.
  
  
• Familiarize and discuss triggers and how to avoid them.
  
  
• If your child is teased or bullied, be on top of it.  Talk to the other children, their parents, teachers, or school administrators.  Social isolation can be a problem for children with eczema.
  
  
• Be prepared, send a first aid relief kit to school. (below)
  
  
• Discuss your child’s condition with teachers and school nurse.
  • Written Instruction on medications and topical treatments they can use during the school day.
  • Any known triggers that should be avoided.
  • Any limitations or precautions on activities such as sports.
  • Behavioral issues during flare-ups (anxious, fidgets, easily distracted).
    
    
• Seek counseling if you feel that your child is having difficulties dealing with the emotional and social consequences of having eczema.  Therapist and counselors can help children learn how to articulate their feelings and suggest ways to cope.

Eczema Relief Kit with everything your child may need during the school day.

• Moisturizing cream or ointment
• Antibiotic ointment (if this is your preferred method of treatment)
• Sunscreen
• Adhesive bandages
  
  Additional items to consider:
• Mild cleanser (if your child has sensitivities to liquid detergent hand soaps)
• Alcohol-free hand sanitizer
• Gloves (for handling materials that can cause irritation)

Written By: Mary Ellen Wank, Wellness Advocate and Founder of LATIV, Natural Skin Revival DISCLAIMER