A new research by targeted skincare brand Gladskin has found that a third of children’s eczema cases have become worse since the pandemic started, with 37 per cent of parents saying stress and anxiety triggers their child's flare ups. Approximately one in five children live with eczema in the UK. The condition not only affects a child's well-being, but also their social life, with almost two in five parents claiming their child faced judgment over their skin condition. Meanwhile, under half of these parents themselves feel judged over their child's eczema.
Clinical microbiologist Dr Bjorn Herpers says understanding of the skin microbiome is key. He says, “This new research by Gladskin is saddening. Eczema is a condition that so many children have to deal with, and I believe if we increase the nation's understanding of the skin microbiome it is made of billions of bacteria.”
They add, “However, 40% of people have the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus on their skin too - a known cause of eczema flare-ups in some people. Treatment should target just this bacterium so the skin can restore the balance of bacteria of the skin microbiome.”
He has certain tips to help children suffering from the condition
1) Be mindful of what you put on their skin. Avoid harsh chemicals, soaps or lotions/creams. They disrupt the bacterial balance by killing the good and bad bacteria.
2) Create a skin care routine. A daily routine of cleansing the skin with a gentle face wash and without perfumes will help keep the bacteria in balance. Using skincare products that are based upon a scientific understanding of the skin's microbiome is even better.
3) Find out what triggers you/your child's inflammatory skin condition and if it is worsened by Staphylococcus aureus.
4) If you are trying a new product, test it on a small, non-infected body part first.
Your skin microbiome is made up of trillions of bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Good bacteria work together to defend against disease and other environmental threats in a healthy, well-functioning microbiome.
