Changes

Eczema can start in a child's early years and can come and go. It is characterized by red, itchy and dry skin often in skin creases such as elbows, backs of the legs, face and under the chin. It can be prone to bleeding where the child scratches constantly and it can be extremely distressing and quite soul destroying to watch your child in such discomfort, endlessly clawing at her skin until she is red raw. Scratching the skin leads to abrasions which feel itchier, hence the 'itch scratch' cycle. There can be different types of Eczema. Pickle had some very nasty thick and stubborn circular areas of Eczema on her back which the dermatologist told me was 'Disc Eczema'. Complications of Eczema can include, secondary skin infections such as Impetigo ,which would require antibiotics, poor sleep and possible stunted growth (as a result of the growth hormone being disrupted due to the unsettled nights) Obviously a lack of sleep can lead to irritability and poor concentration and for older children, Eczema can bring about feelings of stigma and isolation.