Coronavirus leads to increase in eczema among children
56% of British children are suffering with skin problems brought on by frequent hand washing because of coronavirus.
The British Skin Foundation asked 250 parents of young children about the effect of more frequent hand washing on their young children’s skin, and over half said their child was experiencing some type of skin problem associated with their hands.
24% (1 in 4) are now suffering from hand eczema – a rise from the estimated 1 in 5 children to experience childhood eczema pre-pandemic.
38% of parents reported dry skin, 17% cracked skin and 6% bleeding hands.
Dr Paula Beattie, British Skin Foundation spokesperson and dermatologist at the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow, said, “Keeping hands clean is a key part in the fight against covid-19. Although it’s concerning to hear of children suffering with skin problems due to frequent han dwashing, thankfully this can be alleviated with the regular use of an un-fragranced moisturiser. Encourage your child to get into the routine of moisturising after every hand wash.”
