Eczema and Missing School

School should be a place of learning, connection, and growth—but for students with eczema, it can also be a source of discomfort, stress, and exclusion. 

In November 2024, our Founder and Managing Director, Melanie Funk, joined Megan Gilmour, ACT Australian of the Year and CEO & Co-founder of MissingSchool, on their Live & Learn podcast. Together, they explored the challenges that students with eczema face in the classroom, from the physical toll of constant itch and pain to the emotional strain of stigma and misunderstanding. 

Melanie shares her journey as a mother of twins with severe eczema and highlights the urgent need for awareness, tailored school support, and practical resources—such as the Eczema School Kit—to help students thrive. 

🎧 Listen to the conversation and learn how we can create a more inclusive school environment for children living with eczema. 

Click the image to watch & listen

“I think the first thing Australians need to know about eczema is, that it is more than just a skin condition. It really is a very, very debilitating and chronic condition, and it disrupts sleep in a big way.  It disrupts and affects every single part of a child’s life as well as hugely impacting their family members and carers.” – Melanie Funk, Founder and Managing Director of Eczema Support Australia 

What is eczema and how does it impact schooling years?

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that affects nearly 3 million Australians, including one in three children aged six years or younger. Source: The Burden of Eczema – Evidence for a National Strategy. 

The Impact of Eczema on School Life 

Beyond the physical discomfort, eczema significantly impacts a child’s quality of life. It disrupts sleep, affects focus and overall wellbeing–, and can lead to increased anxiety and behavioural challenges. School can be particularly challenging, as children with eczema often face bullying due to misconceptions about their condition. 

Co-Occurring Conditions and Triggers 

Eczema is commonly linked with other conditions such as asthma, hay fever, food allergies, ADHD, and ASD. It can be exacerbated by environmental factors such as dust mites, pollens, grasses, heat, and cold air, making it even more difficult for students to at school and to maintain regular attendance. 

“There’s also a lot of misinformation regarding the causes of and so-called cures for eczema. I think there’s a lot of money to be made from these families, unfortunately, and people will prey on that, but that misinformation can, at best, be an expensive waste of time, and at worst, can also result in really poor eczema control, causing more heartache for the families.” – Melanie Funk, Founder and Managing Director of Eczema Support Australia 

Another common myth is that eczema doesn’t require special medical attention, – this can downplay the condition’s impact on quality of life, and also can lead to missed support opportunities for families who are really struggling to manage their child’s eczema on a daily basis. 

Addressing School Absences and Challenges 

Students with eczema often experience intermittent and indefinite absences due to flare-ups, infections, or medical appointments. Chronic sleep deprivation further compounds these absences, affecting their ability to concentrate and engage in learning. In severe cases, some students may require extended time away from school or homeschooling, if environmental triggers cause frequent flare-ups. 

The impact of eczema extends beyond the student, affecting their families as well. Parents may have to extend leave from work or even leave their jobs entirely, to provide round-the-clock care. Siblings, too, can feel overlooked and may experience difficulties with focus and attention due to the constant disruption that eczema brings to family life. 

“I want them to know that eczema is a complex condition. Most people think of it as just a bit of an itch or a rash, but it is really complex….. it also can be, and often is, lifelong… With good management, children can still live very happy, fulfilling lives… It’s very important for them to know that open communication with schools and our healthcare providers is really the key.” – Melanie Funk, Founder and Managing Director of Eczema Support Australia 

The Role of Schools in Supporting Students with Eczema 

Schools play a crucial role in ensuring that students with eczema feel included, supported, and heard. Understanding the nature of eczema and implementing supportive measures can make a world of difference in their educational experience. Here are some key considerations for schools: 

• Eczema is not contagious: It is essential to dispel misconceptions that eczema is caused by poor hygiene or is contagious. Educating students and staff can help prevent negative attitudes and bullying. 
• Avoiding unhelpful comments: Telling a child to “stop scratching” is not helpful, as scratching is often involuntary. Schools can provide distraction techniques and symptom management support.
• Environmental accommodations: Adjusting dress codes, being mindful of potential irritants (such as heat, dust, and grass), and creating eczema-friendly spaces can help minimise flare-ups. 
• Flexible attendance policies: Schools should recognise that students with eczema may have late arrivals due to poor sleep and allow for nurse’s office visits or rest breaks when needed. 
• Individualised learning plans: Collaboration between parents, teachers, and health professionals can help develop tailored learning plans that accommodate each child’s needs. 
• Mental health support: Addressing the emotional impact of eczema, including anxiety and low self-esteem, through psychological support and access to necessary resources, is crucial. 
• Digital classroom access: Ensuring students can stay connected to their classroom through online platforms during absences can prevent educational gaps and reduce feelings of isolation.

For more information about how to support children living with eczema and their schooling, please download our free resource – The Eczema School Kit