As I have mentioned, two of my three children suffer quite severe eczema. One of their biggest triggers is their allergy to dust mites, (which actually is an allergy to dust mite poo if we are going to be precise.) The problem with this allergy is that it is impossible to avoid entirely, as dust mites are impossible to remove from the human environment, seeing as their staple diet is shed human skin cells! Sure we can minimise exposure with strategies such as using appropriate bedding protection, minimising carpets, washing very regularly, drying linen in the sunshine, and regularly using a vacuum cleaner equipped with a hospital grade HEPA filter such as my gorgeous Dyson Vac. But what to do when Kindergarten starts and our little guy has to spend a lot of time on the floor during class time, ie "floor time". I didn't really like the idea of having him always having to sit on a chair while the others all sat on the floor during news, play, games, reading, groups or floor time. I also was concerned as I felt it would separate him from the class... well, then there was the similarity with the "thinking chair" which is a place the children go to sit when they play up!
So, I came up with the idea of making him a mini quilt that he could take to school to sit on, a 'sitting mat' as he calls it. I actually made two and we have been rotating them every 4 or 5 days allowing me time to wash and dry them to keep them friendly on his skin. Cotton strips, using the quilt-as-you-go method, with soft flannel backing, one in dinosaur print and the other in police print so he can tell which one is to bring home to wash and which one is fresh.
These were my 1st quilt-as-you-go projects, and I am quite chuffed with how they turned out, so fast and effective! Happy days!
Eczema is tough and I think the solution you've come up with is excellent. He will be very proud with his own special seat! x
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kindness Maxabella. He is doing great with it xx
ReplyDeletethat sounds like really nasty eczema. Our son battles with it and hates the sea because it stings. I know there a thousand remedies that someone will swear by (we've tried many)- I think our skins and the type of eczemas we get are so varied. Our lastest to try is Kenkay extra relief cream which is actually helping quite a lot - far better than the cortisol creams - might be useless for your kids but I'm always keen to try anything. Dust mites are so hard to avoid - the mat is a great idea - bet all the kids want a special mat now.
ReplyDeleteJust read your earlier post on eczema, some great info and feel so lucky our eczema is nowhere near as bad as that. Sounds exhausting and painful for everyone.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comments Kirsty! I agree absolutely with you when you said how our skins and types of eczema can be so different, I think that is what makes it so hard to deal with... What works for one doesn't necessarily mean it will work for another. I haven't heard of Kenkay cream, I will keep an eye out for it. x
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear that your kids have eczema. But those mats must bring them a great relief. They are quite pretty.
ReplyDeleteRegards,
Ruby
P.S. I am your newest follower.