Today is officially the first day of school for (some) students in the Northeast/Mid-Atlantic region of the US. And from personal experience, having eczema while sitting in a classroom is tough! Luckily, being prepared has always helped me get through the day. So I thought I’d compile a list of some must-haves when dealing with eczema during the school year.
- A change of clothes! I can’t stress this enough! If you have moderate to severe eczema, you should always keep an extra pair of clothes handy. You never know what’s in store for you at school so its best to keep an extra pair. For younger kids – I’d recommend asking their teachers if leaving them in their cubby holes. If not, you can always ask the nurses office if they’d allow it you to bring in a clear ziplock bag with their name on it. Usually, schools allow this. If they don’t I’d consider this a medical/disability condition and look into how you can 504 plan. For older students, I’d recommend keeping a spare pair in your locker or car.
- A pouch filled with travel-sized eczema products. As we know eczema is extremely unpredictable. So it’s always best to keep your favorite products on hand. Some awesome items such as; alcohol-free hand sanitizer, unscented creams and lotions, chapstick, bandaids, and anything else you see fit. Since everyone experiences eczema differently, their pouches will consist of different products.
- Water Bottles – Staying hydrated is very important, and with so many schools having traces of lead in their drinking fountains its best to bring your own water. In addition, water helps cleanse your body from the inside out, helping to rid of toxins which is important when you have eczema.
- Eczema Apps – Track your flare-ups, triggers, diet, allergies, mood, and anything else associated with eczema! With apps such as Eczema tracker, it’s easy to track any and all things eczema.
- Before School Routine – If you have eczema, you really don’t have the luxury of rolling out of bed and heading straight to school. This is where a before school routine comes in handy. Often times eczema can keep you up at night and not allow for proper sleep. So it’s best to have your morning already prepared. You should have your backpack together, go-to vitamins, breakfast, and lunch prepared, clothes laid out, creams and lotions nearby to moisturize your skin for the day, and anything else that requires you to have a productive day – including a positive affirmation.
HAPPY 1ST DAY OF SCHOOL!!!