Is Eczema more prevalent in children with autism and special needs?

Learning disabilities such as autism, sensory processing disorder and ADHD often overlap with physical and sensory sensitivities 

 Is Eczema more prevalent  in children with autism and special needs?

Learning disabilities such as autism, sensory processing disorder and ADHD often overlap with physical and sensory sensitivities such as gastrointestinal issues, allergies and skin conditions like eczema. In this guide we talk about eczema, what it is, what causes it, common symptoms and what can be done.

 What Is Atopic Eczema?

Atopic is a term used to cover a group of conditions including asthma, eczema and hayfever. Atopic eczema is a common skin condition affecting up to 1 in 5 children.

Eczema occurs when there is an increase in the body's allergic reaction, over-stimulating the body’s immune system.  This results in dry, sore, itchy reddened skin which can scale and thicken, blister, weep and crust.

Generally the condition starts in childhood, but it can develop or reoccur at any time in life.

 What Causes Eczema?

The causes of eczema can be very complex.  But usually it is a combination of genetic or family susceptibility coming into contact with a wide range of environmental factors.

1. Environmental Factors

Environmental factors can range but commonly might involve any chemicals that come into contact with the skin – this could be in the form of soap, laundry detergent, shampoo, air fresheners, perfumes, fire retardants on new fabrics and more.  It can also be due to allergies or sensitivities such as pollen, dust, wool or pet dander.  Another element can be when infection occurs in the body which involves bacteria or viral illnesses, even the common cold can be a trigger.  All of these things can combine to create an inflammatory and/or allergic response in the skin.

2. Anxiety and Stress

Anxiety and stress are often associated with triggering eczema and other sensitivities.  It can also lead to a lack of sleep due to itching, and additional stress and anxiety and this, of course, leads to even more anxiousness, irritability and stress and can feel like a never ending cycle.

3. Genetics

Science has established that there can be a gene alteration that affects a person’s ability to maintain what is termed as a ‘healthy skin barrier’.  What this means is that the skin may allow substances and particles to enter, leading to a susceptibility to infection, which in turn causes itching and inflammation.  It has been noted that if one or both parents have eczema it is much more likely that their children will develop it too, and it is equally likely to affect sons as well as daughters.

It is important to note that eczema is not infectious and very important to let the young person and their siblings or school mates know they cannot ‘catch’ eczema.

Common Eczema Symptoms

Usually eczema appears inside the creases of the joints in the knees or elbows, at the neck or wrist, patches on the limbs or beneath the hair.  It can appear anywhere on the face or body though, and will usually appear as red and dry patches of bumpy skin that are extremely itchy. The constant itchiness does lead to scratching, and therefore can lead to broken or thickening skin and infection.

It is common in active flare ups for there to be bleeding, weeping and blisters.  This can be very distressing for the person with eczema and for those around them trying to soothe the discomfort.

The intensity of eczema fluctuates can be mild to moderate for long periods with sudden flare ups.  Sometimes there are known triggers for this, but sadly, for some the reason remains a mystery.

It is not unusual for frequently affected areas to become darker or lighter in colour than the surrounding skin.

What To Do When You Start Noticing Signs Of Eczema

Speak with your GP practice.  Eczema is usually easily recognised by doctors, nurses and health professionals.  Blood and skin tests are possible, but not always necessary, particularly when eczema is active.

Can Eczema Be Cured?

Sadly, at this time, no.  There is hope however.  Most children affected by atopic eczema will see it continue to improve and reduce as they get older.  60% are no longer affected by it in their teenage years.  However, they are likely to always need to be careful to care for their skin with a high level of attention, particularly avoiding the skin getting too dry, or coming into contact with too many irritants.

Eczema can rear its head again during employment as an adult in the form of dermatitis if the career path followed includes working constantly with irritants, such as catering, hairdressing or cleaning, for example.

It is likely that if you had eczema as a child you will need to continue to monitor what you come into contact with as an adult. 

Can Eczema Be Controlled?

There are some products that help when your child is in flare up.  These can include soft seamless and breathable clothing base layers, such as Skinnies which are medical grade so they can be used with lotions and transdermal/topical medications. 

To reduce scratching there are some products that limit access to sensitive areas such as zipback Kaycey garments or Scratchsleeves nightwear. These are equally effective for chickenpox, psoriasis, scab-picking, hair-pulling, thumb-sucking and post surgical healing.

You can look for the AllergyUK label on any products to check for low allergens, and purchase specially formulated products like 1936 Original, these are non-prescription and manage every day skin and pain concerns. Suitable for all general skin needs, aches & pains, and easy and gentle to use as often needed.

Research is still taking place to try and establish if controlling certain foods or taking certain supplements will assist.  It is best to monitor websites such as Allergy UK or the National Eczema Society UK (all countries will have their own national equivalent) for the latest research updates.

Most eczema treatments are topical, ie. Applied to the skin surface.  With more severe cases there may also be oral medication.  The GP is likely to help with what is known as a ‘complete emollient therapy’.  This means you will have soap free products to care for the skin, and, most importantly, low irritant moisturisers to help maintain the health of the skin barrier.