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Eczema. Sara Tomlinson EEC 4731 Spring 2012. O verview. Eczema is a inflammatory skin condition which causes the skin to become inflamed of irritated. Eczema affects 10-12 percent of children. There are many different types of eczema. The most common is atopic eczema
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Eczema Sara Tomlinson EEC 4731 Spring 2012
Overview • Eczema is a inflammatory skin condition which causes the skin to become inflamed of irritated. • Eczema affects 10-12 percent of children. • There are many different types of eczema. • The most common is atopic eczema • Which can result in an inherited tendency for hay fever or asthma later in life.
Signs and Symptoms • Eczema is caused by an abnormal and overactive response by the immune system. • First symptoms occur in infants and children younger than five. • Eczema looks much like a rash and it tends to be itchy. • Red patches of irritated skin develop on the infant/child’s cheeks, forehead, scalp, neck.
Signs and Symptoms (cont.) • Older children may develop dry itchy spots behind the knees, elbows and wrists. • Scratching can result in open sores that can become infected. • Certain irritants can trigger an eczema flare-up including: weather changes , contact with rough surfaces, contact with cleaning substances, stress, being sick, and environmental allergens. • Eczema often improves or disappears between the ages of five to fifteen, in 50 percent of the children.
Management of Condition • Eczema is not curable but can be controlled by avoiding irritants, medical treatments, and informing children. • It is very important to let children know what is happening as well as reminding children not to scratch. • When weather changes children should be well dressed to prevent them from severe flare-ups. • Topical treatments can help with the itch and reduce the redness.
Teaching Modifications • Children with eczema may not be focused on learning because they are distracted by the itching. • It is important for the teacher to have hand on activities such as: manipulative materials, block play, and book time. • This will allow children to use there hands to play so there is a less chance for scratching. • Also by having activities to distract the children from the discomfort of the patches ,could be: games, active, pretend, and exploratory play.
Teaching Modifications (cont.) • Some teachers may need to administer medical creams throughout the school day. • Also by providing a stress-free learning environment would benefit the child since stress can cause a flare-up. • Because eczema looks like a rash it would be important to inform parents and students that eczema is not contagious.
Addressing This Issue • It is important for an early childhood professional to address this issue because eczema is a health issue that can be irritating for children who suffer from it. • As professionals it is critical for us to notice abnormalities in children we are working with to protect them and help with health issues that arise. • As an early childhood professional I would inform the parents of the abnormal rashes on a child’s skin and provide information and resources to help.
References • Marotz, Lynn. Health, Safety, and Nutrition for the Young Child. Seventh Edition, Delmar Cengage Learning. 2009. • WebMD. Skin Conditions and Eczema. 2012. Accessed via web: http://www.webmd.com/skin- problems-and-treatments/eczema/atopic- dermatitis-eczema