Eczema at school: More than skin deep

Abstract

One in five UK school children have atopic dermatitis (eczema), which can undermine academic performance and may lead to bullying, social exclusion, and internalising and externalising behaviours. The first step in management is to attempt to identify and avoid potential triggers, including those encountered at school. Symptom severity and responses to triggers can vary over time. So, atopic eczema is managed with a stepped approach based on symptom severity. Nevertheless, emollients are the foundation of management and should always be used, even when the atopic eczema is in remission. Health professionals should help children, parents or carers recognise flares and offer instructions and treatments that allow patients and carers to self-manage according to the stepped-care plan.