HOW TO HELP YOUR CHILD DEAL WITH PROBLEM SKIN

Each year, 13 million of us visit the GP with a skin complaint, and the problem can affect the mind as well as the body. Emma explains how to help children struggling with how they look

When it comes to skin issues, you want to give your kids all the support they might need, but there’s always the worry you’re drawing attention to something that either upsets them or that they aren’t even bothered about.

BE HONEST AND OPEN

When my boys started getting teenage acne, I had an honest discussion with them about hormones and general skin health. I told them that spots, pimples and acne are a completely normal part of growing up. I researched and bought them skin-friendly products, and made an appointment with our GP, who prescribed antibiotics and a topical steroid treatment. This early and proactive approach has kept their skin under control, and has taught them that there is always a solution. It’s true of things like eczema, too.

HELP THEM LEARN

The worst thing you can do is ignore it or suggest your child should put up with it, because they shouldn’t and don’t have to. Show empathy so they know you are on their team, and reassure them that they don’t have to just accept the issue. Reinforce that there are effective treatments – some of which may work quickly, others may take a couple of months. Help them learn how to clean and care for their skin by reading advice on Britishskinfoundation.org.uk. Don’t underplay their sadness, because walking around with painful and unsightly skin can be incredibly difficult and make them feel very self-conscious. In a social media-obsessed world, young people may feel they stand out for the wrong reasons. Show them YouTube videos of influencers who struggled with their skin, as they know the tricks to manage it. They give real hope to their subscribers.

LOOK AT ROLE MODELS

I showed my boys pictures of models, footballers, and actresses who have all battled with skin conditions, which helped them normalise what they were dealing with. Diet and exercise can help skin, while also boosting your child’s mood and helping them manage their selfesteem, so encourage them to eat well and be active.