Is your child being bullied at school because they have eczema?

Bullying can be a harsh reality for children facing eczema, as their visible symptoms often become targets for ridicule. This can apply to a whole range of issues, but physical appearance is often high on the list, especially when it is very obvious, like skin conditions.

When a child suffers from chronic eczema it isn’t something that is easily hidden; the redness, the constant itching are beacons for comments, jibes, and even physical abuse from their ‘mates’, so the condition not only affects their skin, but their confidence and self-esteem as well. 

This was brought out in a survey published by the British Skin Foundation, which found that “A shocking 47% per cent of people with a skin disease in the UK have been victims of verbal abuse one or more times from another member of the public.”

The survey continues: “Many skin diseases…. can be very noticeable and visually striking, and likely to provoke a response from an untrained eye. Worryingly, a fifth of respondents described that they had been victim to regular bullying because of their condition, whilst one in every eight people who took part said they had suffered some form of physical abuse from another member of the public at least once.”

With 1 in 5 children estimated to suffer from eczema, it’s no wonder that they will get openly stared at, picked on or even bullied at school because other children will see their inflamed skin and constant scratching.  They taunt and tease them or shun them altogether fearing that they might ‘catch’ the eczema themselves even though it’s not contagious.

Beyond the visible symptoms, the relentless itching and scratching pose a significant challenge for eczema sufferers. The constant urge to scratch, often intensified at night, can lead to skin damage, infections, and scarring. Chronic insomnia, resulting from the need to scratch throughout the night, further compounds the difficulties these children face, impacting their school performance and social activities.

Fortunately, there is a new approach to controlling the intense itching and redness associated with eczema – DermaSilk Therapeutic Clothing which can be worn unobtrusively under their school uniform.  DermaSilk is made of a special, knitted medical grade silk which is hypoallergenic and less irritating than cotton or man-made materials. It is also permanently bonded with a patented antimicrobial agent that is effective against most yeasts and bacteria including MRSA and remains fully active despite repeated washing.

DermaSilk's undergarments effectively control affected areas, reducing the need for frequent applications of creams and emollients. The breathable fabric regulates temperature and humidity, calming the skin, reducing redness, and breaking the itch/scratch cycle. Remarkably, wearing DermaSilk garments has shown a systemic effect on the entire body, making it an inclusive solution even for those with eczema on the face or hands.

DermaSilk Therapeutic Clothing is approved as a Class 1 medical device for prescription on the NHS and is used by Dermatology Consultants world-wide in the treatment of eczema.

Simply wearing DermaSilk under their school uniform means children who suffer from eczema won’t now stand out as being different. No more jibes, no more being picked on, no more abuse.

In conclusion, DermaSilk emerges as a beacon of hope, offering not only relief from the physical symptoms of eczema but also protection against the emotional toll of bullying. As we strive for a more compassionate world, solutions like DermaSilk pave the way for a brighter, inclusive future for children facing the challenges of eczema. To learn more about how DermaSilk can help with eczema visit our website.