IRISH SKIN FOUNDATION SURVEY FINDS THAT CHILDREN LOSE UP TO 2 DAYS OF SCHOOL PER MONTH AS A RESULT OF ECZEMA
- MORE THAN 1 IN 4 PARENTS IN IRELAND REPORTED THAT THEIR CHILD HAD MISSED 1-2 DAYS OF SCHOOL PER MONTH AS A RESULT OF THE DISRUPTIVE SKIN CONDITION[1]
- MORE THAN 4 IN 5 CHILDRENS’ SLEEP IS DISTURBED1
- OVER HALF OF PARENTS ADMIT THEY KNEW VERY LITTLE ABOUT OPTIMUM SKIN ROUTINE FOR THEIR CHILDREN
This September, La Roche-Posay, in partnership with the Irish Skin Foundation, is raising awareness of eczema, the chronic skin condition that affects 1 in 5 children and 1 in 12 adults in Ireland, during Eczema Awareness Month. A survey carried out by the Irish Skin Foundation found that 26% of parents and carers of children living with eczema reported that their children miss up to 1-2 days of school each month. 1
The research also found that 86% of parents of children with eczema reported interrupted sleep, as a result of the skin condition.1 These findings from the Irish Skin Foundation’s study ‘Living With Atopic Eczema Survey’ reflect La Roche-Posay’s own research which found that 1 in 8 parents of children living with eczema or itchy skin attribute it to being a main contributor to their child losing sleep on a regular basis. 2 La Roche-Posay’s research also revealed over half of parents (57%) said they had very little information regarding their child’s optimum skincare routine with some admitting to having no awareness at all. 2
According to the Irish Skin Foundation, atopic eczema occurs when the skin’s protective barrier is weakened allowing moisture to be lost, and irritants and allergens to pass through the skin more easily. Some common everyday substances, such as soap, bubble bath, shampoo, laundry detergents, fragrances, may irritate the skin and should be avoided. Instead, soap-free products and specially formulated products should be used on the skin.
Consultant Dermatologist with La Roche-Posay, Dr. Niki Ralph who treats patients living with eczema said: “The physical effects of eczema, including painful, inflamed itchy and cracked skin, may result in a range of hidden psychological impacts. These range from families with young children who are in such pain or discomfort that their sleep is interrupted. This leads to worn out children whose concentration is impacted at school. Such sleepless nights may have a negative effect on the entire family unit. What’s more, eczema can affect all ages, including teenagers who may feel uncomfortable under the glare of strangers to adults who are suffering with sleep deprivation and stress from trying to manage their eczema both at home and at work. Regular emollient therapy, such as the use of specially formulated moisturisers, is the cornerstone of the management and treatment of eczema.”
Irish Skin Foundation CEO, David McMahon agreed, saying: “The disruption and stress that moderate and severe atopic eczema can cause is very clear from the findings of our recent survey. And while we know that the family impact of atopic eczema can be profound, we were surprised how disturbed sleep, lost school days and productivity features so strongly.
“Our work with families impacted by eczema, particularly at this time of the year as the school term starts back, focuses on supporting people to re-establish care routines that will strengthen the skin barrier. This is quite important in advance of the weather cooling and central heating being turned on again in the autumn, both of which challenge vulnerable skin and can lead to flares.
“The Irish Skin Foundation”, he added, “has plenty of great simple tips and resources for anyone who wants to establish a new skin barrier care routine at IrishSkin.ie. The charity also operates a free Helpline with access to specialist dermatology nurse who provide one-to-one guidance about a range of skin conditions and problems.”
La Roche-Posay’s Lipikar body skincare range has been specifically designed for very dry to eczema-prone skin for all the family including babies. Formulated with minimalist formulas that work in partnership with the skin, the Lipikar range provides immediate relief of skin discomfort and with regular use, decreases the re-occurrence of flare-ups.
The Irish Skin Foundation will host SkinSideOut, a first-of-its-kind free public health information and exhibition on Saturday, 16th November, in the Science Gallery, TCD, Dublin. SkinSideOut is open to anyone struggling to manage the everyday challenges of living with chronic, inflammatory skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, acne and rosacea. This full day event will include, a series of talks and panel discussions given by expert medical speakers and patient advocates. For more information on the programme and to register your interest please visit www.irishskin.ie.
Eczema Awareness Month runs until the end of September. For more information see www.irishskinfoundation.ie and www.laroche-posay.ie
[1] Irish Skin Foundation’s ‘Living with Atopic Eczema Survey’ 2019, conducted by the Irish Skin Foundation through an online survey from September 2018 – April 2019, with a sample size of 454 people with eczema or caring for someone with eczema. Murray G, Dolan M, Greenwood M, McMahon D, Watson R, O’Kane M. How Does Eczema Impact Your Life? A Real World Survey In Ireland. Irish Association of Dermatologists Burrow’s Cup – Oral Presentations. Irish Association of Dermatologists Spring Meeting 2019.
