According to the National Eczema Association, eczema affects 10% of all infants. Since we don’t know the exact cause of eczema, having a child suffering from symptoms can feel disheartening if not outright devastating at times. Parents suffer, too, and that’s totally normal! At FirstCare Medical Center our Highland and New Paltz doctors are familiar with treating various skin disorders.
Rigorous skin treatments, big lifestyle changes for the whole family, and the cost factor are just a few of the largest contributing stressors for the parents of children with this dermatological condition, but adding in the misery your child experiences in their day-to-day life makes finding the best solutions integral to regaining control of your family’s well-being.
If your heart is weighing heavy with the burden your child experiences due to their condition, consider some of these resolutions:
1. Educate Yourself
Most of the things that frighten us are simply those we haven’t yet come to understand. An initial diagnosis or a suggested treatment change by your pediatrician or dermatologist can feel overwhelming at first. Children pick up on our emotions and learn how to deal with adversity based on observing our reactions. With so many resources available, better acquainting yourself with the condition and what it means will make you and your whole family more comfortable with the inevitable changes to come.
Eliminate the fear by coming together to discuss what you learn and to find the treatments that alleviate the most discomfort for your child.
2. Talk With Your Kids
The best way to ensure your child has an outlet for the thoughts and emotions he or she is exploring at this difficult time is to speak with them one-on-one in an open, understanding, and educational environment.
Since the pain and discomfort associated with eczema can also bring out behavioral issues in children, allowing for proper self-expression could help you to understand where your child is coming from and could help them to acknowledge that their behavior is simply an extension of their pain. Together you can figure out a long-term solution.
3. Establish a Routine
Creating a solid routine for your child and for your whole family can also relieve a lot of the stress and anxiety you feel at home. Since eczema may last for years at a time with varying degrees of severity, it’s important to remain attentive to treatment. Integrate any medications or ointments, a proper bathing regimen, moisturizers with no fragrance, and do your best to eliminate activities which may trigger a flare-up of symptoms. When you find what works best for you, having a plan for the day will help shed some of the struggle of “I don’t wanna” (even if you’re the one who doesn’t wanna)!
No parent wants to see their child suffer, but it’s important to keep yourself from suffering too much on their behalf. With good education, communication, and routine, you’ll see your spirit and your child’s spirit lifted in no time. Dermatology has come a long way, as has our understanding of these types of conditions. Remember: Always discuss big changes with your whole family and with your physician. Together, you can conquer eczema!