Easter Ross mum hails 'amazing' eczema support group
A TAIN family with a baby girl suffering from the sometimes distressing condition of eczema are welcoming the help being given by a new peer-support service newly set up in the Highlands.
Eczema Outreach Scotland (EOS) has starting up the service in Inverness and is keen to hear from families with a child under 18 who is struggling with the impact of the condition on their lives.
And the Mitchell family from Tain were delighted when they discovered support and advice was available for them after their little girl, Scarlett, was diagnosed with severe eczema, aged only 15 months.
Mum Sarah said: “Scarlett was born in July last year and had red spots over her face which developed into dry, sore skin – which we were told was typical of eczema.
“Her condition only seemed to get worse as time went by and it soon covered most of her face and body.
“Little Scarlett is constantly itchy and will tear at any uncovered skin until it bleeds.
“She also suffers from severe food allergies and asthma – something which is also common for people with eczema.
“This means that her sleep is badly affected, which lead to disturbed nights for my husband and I and our two sons.
“I was referred to the dermatology department at Raigmore hospital and I have to say that the support, advice and treatment we receive there is excellent.
“However, I saw a poster for the EOS while in the hospital and I was thrilled to learn that there was support available for the whole family.”
The scheme has also secured the backing of the dermatology department at Raigmore, with NHS Highland dermatology sister, Julie Morton, believing the peer-support group will be a success.
She said: “This venture will be a welcome support in Highland for the many families that are currently coping with eczema.
“Having a child with eczema can be a very stressful time and being able to talk with others and share ideas can make a huge difference.”
Sarah joined EOS online and within days, received a welcome pack from the charity with information, samples and a small gift for Scarlett.
EOS Family Support called Sarah to talk about Scarlett’s eczema and were able to pass on some information and practical advice about diet, laundry and sleep.
They also suggested the family might be eligible for disability living allowance and offered to help them with the process.
Sarah continued: “I joined the EOS Facebook group and it has been wonderful to meet other parents out there who have similar experiences.
“It’s amazing to have contact with people who understand the condition – we can even let off some steam and have a rant!
“I am really keen to get involved in the peer-support group in Inverness as there are probably lots of people who have children with bad eczema in the local area and it would great to meet face-to-face to support each other.”
The first meeting of the peer-support group will take place on Saturday, November 15 at Smithton Church Hall, near Inverness, between 1pm and 3pm. Meetings will continue throughout 2015.
Alison Sweeney, peer-support manager of EOS, said: “EOS understand that eczema can have a big impact on a family, so the peer-support group offers families an opportunity to meet parents and carers in a similar situation.
“We currently have a successful group running in Edinburgh and we are delighted to now offer this to families in Highland.”
As well as bringing families together, the charity offers a one-to-one support service which provides help and tailored advice to the individual needs of each family.
This can include information on treatments, hints and tips on caring for a child with eczema and advice on healthcare plans for schools, benefits and carers rights.
Eczema is an inflammation of the skin, which tends to flare-up from time to time and usually starts in early childhood.
The severity can range from mild to severe and, while there is no cure, treatments such as moisturisers and steroid creams or ointments can usually control or ease symptoms.
About two in three children with eczema grow out of it by their mid-teens.
