Dr Pat Gilbert replies:
This will depend on whether the children's hands are involved in the eczematous rash and also on the degree of the condition. If the hands are affected, water play should be limited to only around ten minutes, and gloves (rubber or plastic) worn if the rash becomes worse on contact with water. Ordinary hand washing should also be done carefully, using tepid water and soap that does not contain colouring or perfume. Hands should be dried carefully with special care being taken when drying between the fingers.
Hands should certainly be protected by gloves during paint and sand activities if the rash is at all severe. When choosing gloves for children remember that some allergic children (and eczema is an allergic disease) will react to rubber. So plastic ones will need to be used. Discuss with the child's parent how the condition is being treated, what precautions are taken at home and if there is anything that exacerbates the rash.
Register now to continue reading
Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Unlimited access to news and opinion
-
Email newsletter providing activity ideas, best practice and breaking news
Already have an account? Sign in here
