Back to School With Eczema? Here’s How to Help Your Child Prepare

Going back to school can be exciting, but for children with eczema it can bring some extra challenges. Itching can make it difficult to concentrate in class, while getting hot and sweaty during PE or break time may aggravate sensitive, eczema-prone skin. Visible eczema can also make children feel self-conscious, particularly if classmates don’t understand the condition.

For parents, the start of a new school year can bring worries too. Will your child be able to manage their itching during the day? Will they have access to their creams when they need them? Do their teachers know what might trigger their eczema and how they can help?

With a little preparation, you can make the transition back to school easier. Here are some practical ways to help your child manage their eczema and feel more comfortable and confident at school.

How to Help Your Child Manage Eczema at School

Talk to School Staff About Your Child’s Eczema

Not everyone understands how much eczema can affect a child’s everyday life. A teacher may not realize that itching is making it difficult for your child to sit still or concentrate. Poor sleep caused by itchy skin can also leave children feeling tired during the school day.

Before the school year begins, consider speaking with your child’s teacher and other relevant members of staff about their eczema and individual needs.

Depending on your child, this could include letting staff know about:

Known eczema triggers
When and how your child uses their creams
What to do if their skin becomes particularly itchy or uncomfortable
Any allergies your child has
Whether heat and sweating during PE or outdoor activities tend to aggravate their skin
Any instructions provided by your child’s doctor or other healthcare professional

It can also be helpful to remind teachers and classmates that eczema is not contagious.

The more the people caring for your child understand about their eczema, the better prepared they will be to support them throughout the school day.

Make Sure Your Child Can Access Their Creams

If your child needs to use creams during the day, check your school’s rules and speak to their teacher or the member of staff responsible for health and first aid.

Regular access to moisturizing products can be an important part of managing eczema-prone skin. Depending on your child’s age and the school’s policy, they may be able to keep their cream in their school bag, classroom or another agreed location.

You could also prepare a small eczema kit for school. Depending on your child’s needs, this might contain their cream, cotton gloves, non-stick dressings, spare clothing and any other supplies recommended by their healthcare professional.

Gladskin Eczemact Cream helps to relieve eczema symptoms such as itching and redness, and is suitable for babies and children from 3 months.

Agree on an Eczema Care Plan

Schools and childcare settings have different procedures for supporting children with medical needs, so ask your child’s school what arrangements are available.

It can be useful to agree on a simple written care plan with the school. This could cover:

Your child’s usual skincare routine during school hours
Where their creams and other supplies will be kept
When your child should be allowed to apply their cream
Known triggers and how these can be avoided where possible
Adjustments that may help during PE, hot weather or other activities
Allergies and what staff should do in case of an allergic reaction
Who the school should contact if your child’s symptoms become difficult to manage

If your child has been given a treatment or management plan by a doctor or other healthcare professional, share the relevant instructions with the school.

The exact arrangements available will depend on your country, school and your child’s individual needs.

Helping Your Child Feel Comfortable at School

Sending your child back to school means handing over some of the day-to-day management of their eczema. Preparing teachers and other staff can make that transition easier for everyone.

Talk openly with the school, make sure your child can access the skincare products they need and encourage your child to speak up when their skin feels itchy or uncomfortable.

If eczema symptoms are affecting your child’s sleep, concentration or everyday activities, speak to a healthcare professional for advice.

With the right preparation and support, eczema doesn’t have to get in the way of a positive school year.