It’s one of the UK’s most common childhood health complaints, but now a new survey for the first time reveals the true extent to which eczema is potentially affecting millions of families nationwide.
According to research from Oilatum Junior in association with the National Eczema Society, as many as one in six mums say the common skin complaint has put them off having any more children. One in five mums say that their child has been bullied because of eczema. Nearly one in three mums (28%) say the condition has had a massive impact on family life.
The shocking results have now prompted the publication of a new booklet ‘Take Control of Your Child’s Eczema’, to empower parents to manage their children’s eczema with confidence. The booklet is being launched particularly in light of the fact that one in three (34%) mums in the survey reveal they have never received any information on managing the disease from doctors or community nurses.
One in three (32%) admit the stress caused by eczema results in regular family arguments, with one in 10 saying their time is so taken up with treating and caring for their affected child, they just don't have any left over for their partner. Additionally, one in seven mums said coping with a child who suffers with eczema meant they couldn't spend as much time as they would like with their other children.
And while mum and dad are struggling, the young eczema sufferers are often prevented from enjoying a normal childhood. One in six have had to forego activities other kids take for granted like swimming, sleepovers or trips to the beach.
Not surprisingly, the situation is resulting in millions of mums sinking into crisis behind closed doors. Many are overwhelmed by feelings of total despair, frustration and isolation as they struggle to make their child’s skin better and break the relentless ‘scratch itch’ cycle. Some even complained of nervous breakdowns and unemployment caused by lack of sleep.
One in six cite the sleepless nights coping with sore and itchy kids as the most difficult side effect of the disease. A further one in six say their left feeling exhausted all the time. One in three say they're even too tired to apply the treatment correctly sometimes - resulting in a catch 22 misery for all concerned.
Fighting what feels like, at times, a losing battle, is affecting a whole generation of mums’ confidence in their parenting abilities. One in six say they feel like a failure as a mum because they can't control their child’s condition. A massive one in four (23%) worry others may think they're a bad parent. Meanwhile, the emotional rollercoaster of coping with their child’s eczema has led to a further one in four (25%) guiltily admitting they even feel irritated towards their child sometimes, even though they know that’s irrational.
Margaret Cox, from the National Eczema Society, comments: "Eczema is a growing problem in the UK, with 1.7 million children suffering nationwide. Because it’s seen as an everyday, common problem, people don't often realise the heartbreak and misery it can cause families.
It's important for mums to realise they are not alone with their frustrations - there is help out there. We are here to support and provide confidence to families battling this condition."
Carol Williams from Oiltum Junior adds: Watching your child suffer and feeling helpless to do anything about it is heartbreaking. It can stir up a whole range of emotions that can completely change the family dynamic. Along with the National Eczema Society, we're now trying to reach out to all those mums struggling in silence. And we're here to tell them there is help and hope to cope with their children’s eczema."
To order a free copy of the Take Control of Your Child’s Eczema booklet go to www.oilatum.co.uk. It is packed full of useful tips and information for parents on how to cope successfully with their child's eczema.