Helping children cope with the frustration of eczema: expert advice from psychologist Shawn Reynolds
Eczema can be frustrating. The itchy, painful sores and sleepless nights can take a toll on our ability to cope with day-to-day life.
While this is true for anyone affected by eczema, children may be particularly susceptible as they haven’t had as much time to develop the coping strategies that help us manage stress.
ESC asked Edmonton-based psychologist and eczema sufferer Shawn Reynolds, PhD for tips on how we can help children cope with the frustration of eczema. He told ESC: “Imagine having a new carpet in the house. You know you’re probably going to spill things on the carpet. However, if you expect that this is eventually going to happen, then when it does happen, you may not treat it as such a big deal. This same strategy can be helpful if applied with kids and eczema. We know there will be times when their eczema will flare up. If we include them in the daily management of their condition and manage their expectations, this can help them better cope with the frustrating aspects of the condition.”
Dr. Reynolds also suggested the following for children, teens, caregivers, and adults alike:
- Stay physically active.
- Keep connected with friends.
- Share time as a family that is positive, like talking about things you enjoyed at school or work each day.
- Watch out for changes in mood; irritability or emotional outbursts could be indicators of sadness or anxiety.
- Be careful with areas where you can “binge” (such as video games, phones, food, and/or studying).
- Keep expectations reasonable for yourself and those around you, and extend grace and forgiveness when your instinct is to feel anger (this is hard!)
While these strategies can go a long way in helping us cope with the frustration brought on by eczema, it is also important to share these feelings with a qualified health care professional. If you have any questions about you or your child’s eczema or want to know more about how to cope with the stress and frustration that can arise with this chronic condition, speak with your doctor or mental health professional.
Eczema Society of Canada (ESC) thanks Shawn Reynolds, PhD, for sharing his expertise during ESC’s March 2022 Life with Eczema virtual event series and on this content. Funding for the Life with Eczema Winter 2022 event series was generously provided by Pfizer Canada and Sanofi Genzyme, a division of sanofi-aventis Canada Inc.
Disclaimer: Information provided in this resource does not constitute medical advice and is not intended to be used as a diagnostic tool. The information is up-to-date at time of publication. All medications, interventions, and treatment plans have risks and benefits, and it is important that individuals discuss their or their child’s specific health care needs with a qualified health care professional.
March 2022
