Eczema is one of those common skin issues that most of us probably think of as not particularly serious, even though over 30 million Americans have some form of it. Eczema can develop anywhere on the body and symptoms can be different from one person to another. The disease can cause:
- Visibly dry, flaky skin
- Redness
- Dark colored patches of skin
- Rough, leathery or scaly patches
- Oozing or crusting
- Inflammation and swelling
- Extreme itching
Eczema affects nine million children in the U.S.
The skin condition is common in children, and while it usually goes away as they grow older, some continue to experience the problem into adulthood. Eczema can seriously affect a child’s self-esteem. In fact, a recent survey shows that about one in five school children struggling with eczema can also be bullied as a result of their skin condition.
The survey included parents and caregivers of children with eczema and was conducted by the National Eczema Association (NEA). It revealed that the problem negatively impacts not only a child’s self-esteem, but also their mood, self-confidence and ability to establish and maintain friendships.
Medically treating and managing eczema is important
The only way to diagnose eczema for certain is to come in for an exam so I can look at your skin and review your symptoms. Schedule an appointment today by calling: (210) 692-3000 or (210) 370-9995. We can create a treatment plan that can help eczema be a manageable problem.
It’s important to understand and address the psychosocial challenges of this disease, especially on children
The survey also showed that more than half of parents think that their child’s teacher doesn’t understand eczema, especially the psychosocial impact it can have on kids. And managing eczema in school can be difficult, as it’s an environment full of possible outbreak triggers, such as:
- Carpet
- Outdoor activities
- Harsh soaps
- Stress
Left untreated, chronic eczema can have long-term negative effects on a child’s life. The NEA can provide valuable support materials for both parents and educators to help them understand the impact that eczema can have on students.
Image courtesy of Tharakorn at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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