The skin condition eczema can be painful and difficult to treat in all ages, and it affects 1 in 5 children. The experts from Vernacare explain more
What is eczema, and what causes it?
Eczema also known as dermatitis is a non-contagious, inflammatory dry skin condition that can affect people from early infancy to old age. The skin is often unbearably itchy and the urge to scratch can be irresistible. During a flare-up skin can also be red, cracked, sore and raw.
As well as the unpleasant physical symptoms, many children and adults experience restless sleep, with over 30% of eczema patients reporting sleep disturbances which causes tiredness and irritability.
There are many day-to-day triggers that can worsen symptoms such as: allergies, household irritants, sun exposure, types of clothing, swimming and cold weather.
How common is eczema in children?
The most common form of eczema, atopic eczema affects 1 in 5 children in the UK.
What are the common treatments for eczema?
Moisturising is an important part of skincare for eczema and keeping the skin moisturised using emollients, otherwise known as medical moisturisers, is key to managing all types of eczema. Topical steroids are the first-line treatment to bring flare-ups under control. Oil-based moisturisers and emollients are especially useful to treat eczema, but it is important that patients protect their clothing and bedding by wearing garments to cover their moisturised skin.
What is wet wrap therapy?
Wet wrap therapy is a technique developed to treat moderate to severe eczema, in which a wet dressing is placed over moisturised skin. This technique can be used overnight, to allow emollients to moisturise the skin whilst also reducing the need to itch.
How are ComfiKIDS garments used?
ComfiKIDS garments have been developed to be used in conjunction with oils and emollients prescribed by Healthcare Professionals. The garments offer additional comfort and are discreet to wear under clothing. They can be used for dry and wet wrap therapy for treating skin conditions such as eczema.
Can they also be used with dermatitis, psoriasis and other conditions?
ComfiKIDS ready to wear garments provide the ideal solution for covering the skin and can be used for the treatment of common conditions such as eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis as well as for dressing retention, primary and secondary lymphoedema, underneath compression bandaging and for covering fragile skin.
Are they easy to fit and comfortable to wear?
ComfiKIDS garments are also an ideal solution for securing dressings in difficult areas of the body, such as the chest and groin. The ComfiKIDS range incorporates MultiStretch Technology, the garments are constructed to stretch in multiple directions, meaning they are easy to apply by the professional or parent. The garments are designed to fit each area of the body, ranging from a clava for the head through to socks for the feet.
Can they be re-used?
With superior SteamSoft Technology, the garments are not only ready to wear but also suitable for machine washing, allowing them to be re-used again and again whilst still retaining their softness.
What is the cost of the ComfiKIDS garments?
The garments are available free via the NHS drug tariff, and can be collected from pharmacies, with a prescription from your GP. All under 16’s are entitled to free prescriptions. If you think your child could benefit from this treatment, please discuss the use of wet wrap therapy for your child with your GP.
What’s the story behind ComfiKIDS and Vernacare?
ComfiKIDS is part of the wider offering of treatment for woundcare from Vernacare. The ComfiTM range, of tubular bandages, developed by skincare experts is celebrating its 20-year anniversary this year and has been market leader in the UK since 2013.
ComfiFast™ and ComfiKIDS tubular bandages and garments have been designed and manufactured in the UK using high quality materials and SteamSoft™ Fabric, resulting in highly robust but soft and comfortable fabric that is ready to use or wear.
Where can I find out more about ComfiKIDS and Vernacare?
For more information, visit vernacare.com/brands/comfi
