Conquering Eczema Anxiety: A Mother's Journey to Empower Her Children

Cherilyn Garcia, a mother of three from Los Angeles, understands the challenges of managing atopic dermatitis all too well. Having battled eczema herself since infancy, she empathizes with her children's struggles and has developed effective strategies to help them cope with the anxiety and discomfort associated with their treatment. This article delves into the unique experiences of the Garcia family and explores the broader issue of treatment-related anxiety in children with eczema, offering insights and practical solutions from experts in the field.

Empowering Children to Confront Eczema's Challenges

Navigating the Emotional Landscape of Eczema Treatment

Cherilyn Garcia's children, Nolyn, Joaquin, and Jonas, have each faced their own battles with eczema, and the anxiety surrounding their treatment has been a constant challenge. Nolyn, the eldest, would outright refuse to apply the necessary steroid creams, while Joaquin would constantly wash the cream off his hands, exacerbating the dryness and discomfort. Jonas, the youngest, has the most severe eczema, and his sensory-based anxiety manifests in a "manic energy" when the cream triggers more itching, leading to feelings of anger, sadness, and moodiness.To help her children cope, Cherilyn and her husband, Jason, have employed a multifaceted approach. They have explained the science behind eczema and the purpose of the steroid creams, layered soothing coconut oil and Aquaphor under the medications to ease irritation, and used simple distraction techniques to shift their children's focus away from the pain and discomfort during and after treatment application.

Addressing the Root Causes of Treatment Anxiety

The Garcias' experience is not unique. Many children with eczema struggle with anxiety related to their treatment, whether it's creams, pills, needles, injections, or even bleach baths. According to Jennifer Moyer Darr, a licensed clinical social worker at National Jewish Health in Denver, Colorado, this anxiety often stems from a lack of understanding about what to expect, a fear of discomfort or pain, and a general unease about the treatment process.Certain types of eczema treatments, such as the soak-and-seal approach, wet wraps, and injectable biologics, tend to elicit more anxiety in children. The water or topical treatments can sting, and the prospect of needles or being seen in wraps can be particularly distressing for some children, especially those with sensory issues.

The Role of Parental Influence in Shaping Treatment Anxiety

Parental behavior and communication can also inadvertently contribute to a child's anxiety about their eczema treatment. Stephanie Mejia, a certified child life specialist at Sala Institute for Child and Family Centered Care at NYU Langone, emphasizes that children are highly perceptive and can pick up on parental stress and tension, which can exacerbate their own worries. Additionally, the language parents use when discussing the treatments can have a significant impact, with negative comments about the "terrible" or "torturous" nature of the treatments or the financial burden they impose, further fueling the child's angst.

Developing Effective Coping Strategies

To help children manage their treatment-related anxiety, experts recommend a multifaceted approach. Moyer Darr suggests being honest about what to expect, explaining the treatment in age-appropriate language, and maintaining a consistent routine. Providing children with a sense of control through limited choices and using positive reinforcement can also be empowering.Mejia emphasizes the importance of creating a coping plan, which could involve techniques like counting, watching a favorite show, or squeezing a stress ball during the treatment process. These plans can be adjusted as needed, and parents should advocate for their child's preferences, such as receiving injections while sitting in a parent's lap.

Exploring Complementary Therapies

In addition to traditional medical interventions, healthcare providers may recommend complementary therapies to help manage treatment-related anxiety. Moyer Darr highlights the potential benefits of parasympathetic-inducing techniques, such as biofeedback, diaphragmatic breathing, and mindfulness, as well as self-hypnosis and cognitive-behavioral therapy, which can help reframe the child's perspective on the treatment process.

Partnering with Healthcare Providers

Healthcare providers play a crucial role in addressing treatment-related anxiety in children with eczema. Moyer Darr emphasizes that providers can explain the treatment to the child in a developmentally appropriate way, helping them understand what to expect and how they may react. If the anxiety does not decrease with exposure or begins to interfere with daily activities, parents should consult with their healthcare provider and consider seeking the support of a therapist who is familiar with eczema treatment.By working closely with healthcare professionals and implementing a range of coping strategies, families like the Garcias can empower their children to confront the challenges of eczema with confidence and resilience, ultimately improving their overall quality of life.