Helping 5 year old explain eczema to other children

[Utka]

Has anyone got any suggestions as to how my dd (aged 5) can best explain eczema to other children? Hers is actually in a quiet phase at the moment (it's worse with summer heat / hayfever), but some of the other children in her class are making unkind remarks about the state of her skin. They say they don't want to touch her or be near her because it's chicken pox or catching.

Her teachers are very supportive and do help to nip things in the blood, but I'd like to help dd to be able to deal with this herself. The Eczema Society has a good schools pack that I've passed onto them, with activities that the teacher can do with the class, but I think this may be overkill - does anyone have experience of using these resources?

It may be that it's just a few children who are making these remarks and I don't want to single dd out unnecessarily. But I think there's a need to explain to the other children what eczema feels like.

Any advice gratefully received. thanks.

[Utka]

Sorry, that should be 'nip things in the bud'. Her spots are bleeding a bit - freudian slip.

[BoJingles]

Hi, why not have a chat with the School Nurse or your nearest Health Visitor. Both should be well aware of how to deal with eczema now a days as its getting more and more common in children. They may be able to get hold of some posters to put in the school or info for other parents which then may help with the stigma and generally increase awareness. Kids can be cruel! Good luck