Sep

4

Reduce Stress In Kids To Ease Eczema Scratching

Filed Under Eczema Child, Eczema Treatment | Leave a Comment

One of my girlfriends just related to me how her child started to scratch herself. Apparently, Emily has got anxiety problems in school and could not deal with the stress. She was not able to fully articulate her feelings when asked how she was doing.

Her scratching got worse in the night. By the time she woke up, she had visible marks on her legs and hands. Since stress was the major trigger for Emily, it is only obvious that if she is given appropriate help to reduce her anxieties, the attack on herself will lessen.

A child can show signs of stress in a variety of ways. It is not always so easy to detect by parents or guardians. Some signs of stress in children include sleeplessness, changes in conduct, and excessive attachment to parents, teachers, or guardians.

Children naturally pick up on the anxieties and worries of their parents and are aware of change in parent’s moods. Hence, your ability to cope with stress and admitting your feelings about your stress will help children manage better.

Children will display stress fitting to their age. Preschool children may cling to parents and be anxious about where their parents are when away from them. School-age children may express angry thoughts about life not being fair. It’s important to listen to your children’s talk and responses to be alert to changes in their behavior.

It is not only with the adults but depression can also hit a child. A child can suffer from problems distinguishing between reality and make-believe. Many children experience a loss of belief in the parent’s protection. They realize their parents are sometimes powerless to prevent some disasters.

So if your child has an eczema blow up all of a sudden, you may want to investigate if it is due to some stress. Help him or her to release negative emotions. Look for ways to help him or her address the anxiety that is felt. Your child’s late night scratchings will start to drop as his or her stress eases away.

Aug

1

Black Henna Tattoos Causing Eczema Flare Ups in Kids

Filed Under Care for Eczema Skin, Eczema Child, Eczema News, Eczema Triggers | 1 Comment

Does your kid get black henna tattoos at carnivals, shopping centres and birthday parties? If he or she has sensitive skin and prone to irritations, beware. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) has just issued a warning that black henna tattoos contain a chemical called para-phenylenediamine (PPD), which can cause serious allergic reactions. PPD was commonly used for black hair dye. It is now being added to natural henna in order to increase the intensity and longevity of the temporary tattoo. While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration prohibits the direct application of PPD to the skin because of known health risks, there are no regulations within the tattoo industry.

What is most alarming is that kids as young as four are the ones who are being exposed. Parents think that temporary tattooes are safe and fun and that they can be washed off easily. Prior to this latest announcement, I’ve not known better either.

However, off the records, there have been hundreds of reported cases of black tattoos causing allergic contact dermatitis. It was noted that reactions ranged from mild eczema to blistering and permanent scarring.

The only safe tattoo, it seems, is a vegetable henna and not a PPD-adulterated one. Well, but how do you tell them apart? Or would you be privvy to this information just prior to your kid getting one with a tattoo artist? You cannot guarantee that you will be informed duly.

The best prevention, therefore, is not to let your kid go for a temporary tattoo. It will be hard, I know. My kids just love the beautiful and intricate drawings of fairies, flowers and butterflies on their hands and even, faces. I can just hear them protesting and sulking away!

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