complications of eczema
Infection
As eczema can cause your skin to become dry and cracked, the risk of getting a skin infection is increased. If you scratch your eczema, the likelihood of it becoming infected is also increased.
Bacterial infections can cause more severe symptoms. The most common type of bacteria that infects atopic eczema is Staphylococcus aureus. If your skin becomes infected with S. aureus, it can make your eczema worse, with increased redness, oozing of fluid and crusting of the skin. Your skin will be unable to heal naturally from this type of infection.
Psychological effects
As well as affecting you physically, atopic eczema may also affect you psychologically.
Preschool children with atopic eczema are more likely to have behavioural problems than children who do not have the condition. They are also more likely to be more dependant on their parents compared with children who do not have the condition.
Bullying
School children may experience teasing or bullying if they have atopic eczema. Any kind of bullying can be very traumatic and difficult for a child to deal with. You may find that your child becomes quiet and withdrawn. Make sure you explain the situation to your child's teacher and encourage your child to tell you about how they are feeling.
Sleep disturbance
Research has suggested that approximately 60% of children with atopic eczema have sleep-related problems. During a flare of atopic eczema, it is thought that (on average) five nights sleep are affected.
A lack of sleep may affect your child's mood and behaviour. It may also make it more difficult for them to concentrate at school, which may lead to them falling behind with their work. Again, it is important to let your child's teacher know about their condition, so that they can take factors such as this into consideration.
During an eczema flare, your child may also need to take time away from school. This again may affect their ability to keep up with their studies.
Self-confidence
Eczema can affect the self-confidence of both adults and children. Children may find it particularly difficult to deal with their condition, which may result in them having a poor self-image.
If your child is severely lacking in confidence, it may affect their ability to develop their social skills. Support and encouragement will help boost your child's self-confidence, and give them a more positive attitude with regard to their appearance.
Speak to your GP if you are concerned that your child's eczema is severely affecting their confidence.
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Last Reviewed: 10 November 2010
Next Review Date: 3 August 2011
