Tough time of year for eczema

Helen O’Callaghan on treating flare-ups as weather changes.

AUTUMN often heralds a difficult time for the one in five children who suffer from eczema.

First off, there are the back-to-school irritants that can trigger a flare-up of the dry, itchy, scaly, red skin typical of eczema — a general term for a group of skin conditions. The stress of starting/returning to school, disrupted sleep patterns, a new food introduced to the lunch box, dust in the classroom environment, a nearby child with sniffles and sneezes or even a school uniform that contains no cotton/wool can all increase an inflammatory reaction in the skin of eczema-prone kids.

Swift changes in weather can also pose problems for children with eczema. “Strong winds can remove moisture from the air and they can be a bracing attack on the skin. Sudden temperature changes mean your skin is constantly trying to adapt, which can be a trigger,” says skin care expert Dylan Griffiths.

“It’s an individual condition and can be worsened by triggers specific to the sufferer. If parents keep a diary, it helps distinguish potential causes of a flare-up.”

Children are also on the back foot because their skin isn’t as developed as adults’. “They don’t have enough oil glands to keep skin moisturised. Once they’re teenagers, they have more functional oil glands so skin’s more moisturised,” says Griffiths.

While there’s no data on psychological impact of eczema on children, even adults find it difficult to deal with.

“Adults get very self-conscious. Eczema tends to be more hidden in kids— they often get it on elbows and knees. Children can be less aware of each other but they’ll have discomfort and may feel a bit self-conscious about itching – they may not mention [embarrassment] but they’ll be feeling it.”

Best care routine for children with eczema is to use a bath additive/body wash specifically designed to soothe dry skin. An emollient is vital.

“You need one designed specifically to provide moisture and lipids back into the skin and to heal the skin barrier,” says Griffiths, adding that emollients should be applied liberally, frequently, and in the right direction of hair growth to avoid inflammation of hair follicles.

“Applying emollients immediately after a bath/shower is one way of locking in moisture.”

Top tips

- Avoid soap and scented bubble bath, flannels, face-cloths and friction – use hands in a downward motion when washing

- Keep water temperature between 35°C-37°C. Get them in and out of bath quickly – no soaking.

- Use emollient twice daily — thicker, richer consistency encourages longer hydration.

- Ensure child wears cotton shirt so skin can breathe. Avoid uniforms made of synthetic or nylon materials.

- Keep bedroom cool.

Eucerin Intensive Lotion 10% w/w Urea Cutaneous Emulsion is suitable for children from one year. Costs €13 over-the-counter.