Supporting children and young people with atopic aczema

Atopic eczema or atopic dermatitis affects 15–20% of children in the UK and these figures appear to be rising (Hoare et al, 2000; Fennessy et al, 2000; Ruzicka et al, 2013; Williams et al, 1994). This condition affects so many school-aged children, negatively impacting the quality of life for both the children and their families (Hoare et al, 2000). Not only is it a disease causing dry skin but it can also lead to skin damage and infection, pain, insomnia and the social stigma of a skin disease (Hoare et al, 2000). Although treatment and guidelines seem to have remained unchanged since the NICE 2017 guidelines, there is a real emphasis on accurate physical and mental assessment of the child with atopic eczema (NICE, 2018). The role of school nurses is important as they can empower children to take control of their condition, reduce flare-ups and cope with the physical and psychological impacts of the disease.