Caring for a child with eczema may include challenges with sleep loss and treatment management. Working with a support network offers additional resources for eczema management, and they help parents and caregivers manage treatments. Here is more information about creating a network to provide eczema caregiver support:
Online Support Programs
Online support programs provide eczema caregiver support through additional information and strategies for eczema management. Virtual, free programs offer greater access for caregivers; weekly emails provide information on caring for children with eczema and managing symptoms. Some organizations also provide access to findings from dermatologist meetings and virtual research symposiums.
Having online toolkits provides quick and easy access for parents. These resources can include more information about how the itch-scratch cycle works and ways to recognize different triggers. These include sweat after exercise, allergens in the air, or clothing irritants. Downloadable toolboxes offer quick access to a list of strategies to use when the child is itchy; this includes quick relief methods, such as ice packs, cold washcloths, or moisturizers. It also offers distraction techniques the parent is able to utilize; playing a game, watching a movie, or going on a walk can help with the itch.
Providing downloadable handouts for parent-child communication allows parents and older kids to work together to find specific triggers, and this makes it easier to make a plan for the future. Other handouts provide scales for children to use to communicate the levels of itch they are experiencing. This helps promote effective support and solution-finding.
Fellow Caregivers
Building a network of fellow caregivers offers a space to discuss experiences; it allows caregivers to ask questions and share resources they have found. This can include flare management, soothing techniques, and treatment resources. An online space makes it easier to find and connect with other parents. Some online programs connect caregivers with one another. Methods include apps with community spaces and private social media groups. This allows parents to make and share posts with one another, and it also makes it easier to quickly reach out for group support or answers during a flare-up or emergency.
Parents can volunteer for leadership roles to offer stories about their experiences and help with group management. Finding and connecting with other caregivers enables parents to take active roles in eczema research and advocacy; it provides opportunities for collaboration. Opportunities include helping with donations for eczema research programs.
Teachers and Nurses
Working with the child’s school offers a support network outside of the home; parents are able to receive help with managing their child’s eczema when they cannot be physically present. Meet with daycare leaders, teachers, and nurses as appropriate. Developing a school plan for itch management with the nurse lets parents share information about the child’s eczema and medication.
Talking with the teacher provides opportunities for sharing information about symptoms; this includes behavioral changes that indicate itch. Plans can include cool-down periods after recess to manage triggers, signals between the child and teacher about itch, and regular visits to the nurse. Having small items on hand for the child to use lets them keep their hands busy to help with the itch. Working with the school also allows the teacher and child to educate the other students about eczema. This includes the teacher working with the child to explain eczema in simple terms. Other educational opportunities include reading children’s books about eczema or having the nurse or a family member provide a presentation to answer questions.
Find Eczema Caregiver Support
Finding and creating support networks helps parents find more solutions for day-to-day management. Some online platforms offer treatment navigators to explore available medication routes, such as topicals, injections, and tablets; day camps also offer opportunities for children undergoing similar challenges to meet and interact. To find eczema caregiver support, look for an online community today.