School, health and skin

Parents of children suffering from eczema or atopic dermatitis are familiar with the phenomenon: Skin problems aren't a concern during the holidays, but as soon as autumn and school arrive, the skin starts to itch, and the search for the right remedy begins. Today, Dr. Kerstin Schallaböck, general practitioner, mother of four children, and KAMI skincare founder, together with her business partner, Dr. Elisabeth Riccabona, herself a mother of two children suffering from atopic dermatitis, is investigating this connection:

" School and learning occupy a central position in our children's lives. They experience this time of growing up on several levels: emotionally, but of course also physically, with all of their senses. The skin is our largest sensory organ, our protective shield, our barrier to the outside world. It protects us from bacteria, heat and cold, as well as from dehydration and UV rays. But sometimes this barrier breaks down. We may be able to hide our innermost thoughts from those around us, but not from our skin. It is like a mirror for internal and external influences and this is often the case with children who are prone to neurodermatitis and eczema. These symptoms are often even more pronounced when stress comes into play.

 It's impossible to predict in advance how our children will react to school stress. This depends, among other things, on the child's personality and constitution. Everyone reacts differently to the demands of everyday school life.

Overwhelm can manifest itself as follows:

• Anxiety and shyness
• aggressive behavior
• Hyperactivity
• silly behavior, keyword: recess clown, disrupting class
• refusal
• Difficulty concentrating
• Learning disorders
• stomach ache
• Headache
• Tiredness and exhaustion
• Sleep disorders

We parents can, should, and should support our children on many levels. Here are a few things we've tried that might help you too:

• A healthy, balanced diet—even a snack can be delicious and healthy. Cooked vegetables, for example, aren't particularly popular in our area, but a raw vegetable plate with cucumbers, peppers, carrots, kohlrabi, etc. is readily eaten.
• Sufficient fluids, which includes water and tea;
• Sufficient sleep, although there should be no screen time before sleeping;
• A balanced leisure activity, preferably exercise in the fresh air

@School:

• Allow enough time for homework, studying and relaxation;
• Show children what an ideal learning environment looks like (no cell phones, music or television);
• Prepare your school bag and clothes the night before;
• Allow enough time in the morning for breakfast and the journey to school, and get up earlier.

 If school is literally getting to you, these points could also help:

• Choose natural materials for clothing, bed linen and towels, ideally these are certified and free of problematic dyes;
• Wash bed linen and towels with detergent for sensitive skin, do not use perfumes or fabric softeners (vinegar can be used as a substitute);
• Observe whether your child reacts to certain foods with "blooming" and then adjust the menu accordingly. Junk food, chocolate, and spicy foods are prime examples.
• Take the pressure off: The child should always be sure of your love and know that the relationship is more important to you than school success;
• Do not shower or bathe with soap-based products, as these have an alkaline pH. Always use pH-neutral products that ideally also have a moisturizing effect, such as KAMI Wash Fluid.
• Apply cream to acutely itchy, inflamed areas 2-3 times daily, always before bedtime. KAMI SOS Oil or KAMI SOS Balm have proven effective.
• If the rash is severely inflamed, cortisone is often the only treatment option. But please don't use it for too long;
• Always carry a remedy with you when you're on the go, so you can get relief from acute itching and ease the situation. The KAMI roll-on is ideal.

 With this in mind, we wish you and your children a good start to the school year

 Kerstin and Elisabeth