Activities to do with Child Eczema Flares
Reading
and writing
2
Arts and crafts
1
Playing
with blocks
4
Handheld
video games
3
Tic-tac-toe
with bath crayons
5
Peek-a-boo
6
Storytime
7
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Arts and crafts keep a child’s focus on being creative. Try coloring, painting, drawing, or making collages for younger children. Older kids may enjoy yarn crafts, such as crochet. Cotton gloves or rubber gloves with a cotton lining can protect their skin while they work.
Be mindful of the materials you use since certain art supplies, such as glue, paint, and other products containing certain chemicals may make eczema worse.
Arts and crafts
Practicing handwriting or writing letters of the alphabet can help kids develop skills while forgetting about itchy skin. Younger kids may want to play with pop-up books or picture books that tell a story.
Encourage your child to hold the book and turn the pages as they wish to increase engagement and distraction. Books that encourage tactile interaction with different textures and materials on the pages may be particularly effective.
Reading and writing
Video games can keep kids occupied when you aren’t able to help them with another activity. A game can make sure kids are using their hands and leaving their skin alone during car rides, in waiting rooms, or around the house.
There are many age-appropriate games on the market that invite kids to grip the device and use their fingers to play.
Handheld video games
Younger kids may like to build things with wooden blocks or pieces that snap together. Your child can be creative and have a sense of accomplishment as they make a structure or scene. Building block toys are available for various ages.
Some products sell kits that allow kids to make a specific model or create something new from their imagination. This is an activity you can participate in with your child as part of regular playtime or extra bonding.
Playing with blocks
Soaking in a lukewarm bath can help relieve eczema symptoms. You can follow up the bath with a thick moisturizer or petroleum jelly to ease itching.
During the soak, you can play games with bath crayons, such as tic-tac-toe, or work together to draw pictures. Your child won’t be as tempted to scratch, and you can engage their mind as well.
Tic-tac-toe with bath crayons
Eczema affects very young children, those at the perfect age to enjoy a game of peek-a-boo. This is an enjoyable activity that bonds caregivers to kids, stimulating their mental awareness while keeping the focus away from itchy skin.
Jack-in-the-box toys and pop-up games with movement and color can also offer a similar form of distraction.
Peek-a-boo
Telling your child a story is another way to put their mind on something else. You can invite your child to participate in the story to stimulate their imagination. It’s also a great time to encourage your child to use their verbal skills.
To keep their hands active, you can act out scenes together or use hand movements to tell certain parts of the story.
Storytime
Music
8
Playing games
9
Stress reduction
activities
10
Stress and eczema are closely linked. Stress can cause flares and make the itch worse. Consider teaching your child some activities that bring down stress while distracting them. A simple yoga sequence or deep breathing may do the trick, especially if you make it a game they can play on their own.
Stress reduction activities
Many kinds of board games can help keep your child’s mind off of itchy skin. Jigsaw puzzles engage hands and are a simple activity your child can do with another person or on their own.
You can also take a walk and play “I Spy,” where you and your child take turns spotting things in the surrounding environment. This is another way to exercise your child’s dexterity and other skills during an eczema flare.
Playing games
Many songs written for young children encourage the use of hand and body movement. Spend some time playing Pat-A-Cake with your child, or teach them to do the hand and arm movements themselves by patting their knees. If your child enjoys music, a simple recorder or children’s
guitar can also keep them entertained and their hands active.
Music
10
