Welcome to the latest HappySkin blog, in which we bring you news, advice, and guidance on treating childhood eczema. Today, we cover another interesting topic as we look at ADHD Awareness Month , which runs from October 1st to 31st, 2023.

Shining a light on the often lifelong disorder that affects roughly 5% of children worldwide and 2.5% of adults, in this article, we’ll be examining not only the month-long focus on ADHD and what it means but also the link between ADHD and eczema.

So, What is ADHD Awareness Month?

ADHD Awareness  Month is an event that brings together the various ADHD organisations across the world. Its main aim is to demonstrate that ADHD-affected children and adults need our help, as well as understanding and access to services.

It’s also a time in which to celebrate neurodiverse people in society who, with proper support, can use their unique perspectives and talents to achieve incredible things. Sir Richard Branson, John F. Kennedy, and Albert Einstein are among the most notable figures with the condition.

Most of all, however, October is a time to start talking more about the problem so that the positive aspects and challenges of living with ADHD are more widely understood.

What is ADHD, and What Are The Signs?

ADHD is a neurodevelopment issue that can affect people of all ages. It’s characterised by an ongoing or ‘persistent’ pattern of hyperactivity, impulsivity or inattention. It’s a problem that can get in the way of a child’s development and day-to-day life.

People with ADHD can also have problems managing tasks, organising themselves and other executive brain functions. In the medical field, there are three ways in which the disorder presents:
1) inattentive
2) hyper-active impulsive
3) combined inattentive/hyperactive/impulsive.

 

Signs that your child may have ADHD include:

  • An inability to sit still, particularly in quiet or calm settings
  • Acting without giving things due thought
  • Problems with waiting their turn
  • Excessive physical movement
  • Interrupting conversations
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Constant fidgeting
  • Excessive talking

Generally speaking, treatment for ADHD usually involves skills training, education, psychological counselling, medication or a combination. These options manage the symptoms but don’t cure them.

Is Eczema Associated With ADHD?

While it might not be immediately apparent when looking at the two conditions, there is believed to be a link between them. The main question here is – how is eczema and ADHD linked ?

Their relationship has been studied by experts since the early 1990s, and research from Germany, the US, Korea and Taiwan has shown that many infants with early on-set eczema also developed hyperactivity and inattention problems as they grew.

No biological mechanism, lifestyle or environmental factors have been identified that might explain these findings, although genetics are believed to play a role. When attempting to answer the question “How is eczema associated with ADHD ?” a number of possibilities have been put forward, including:

  • Sleep Disturbance – one of the most apparent ADHD eczema associations is broken sleep. Caused by the constant need to itch, children with severe eczema have been shown to have between zero and three nights of good sleep each week and be at increased risk compared to kids with mild eczema.
  • Inflammation – another characteristic of atopic dermatitis is inflammation. This is believed to possibly have an effect on a child’s developing brain – potentially leading to the development of ADHD. However, more research is needed on the subject.
  • Increased Stress Response – other research has observed that eczema sufferers have increased stress responses to otherwise non-stressful events. Possibly also contributing to sleep disturbance, this stress may lead to ADHD symptoms.

While the link between ADHD and eczema  still needs much more study, some connection between the two health issues seems to exist. What is certain, however, is that the more that is known, the better able we’ll be to provide relief for both.

Try HappySkin Clothing For Childhood Eczema Relief

Supersoft Happy Skin TENCEL™/cotton clothing is proven to provide relief for childhood eczema – something it does by restoring the skin’s ability to regulate its moisture levels. Thanks to the Dreamskin coating technology that covers every garment, the eczema scratch itch cycle can be broken, helping to bring relief to your child, along with restful sleep.

We also offer support to parents of children affected by atopic dermatitis and the associated mental health issues, including ADHD. This help is available through the Happy Skin Facebook Community, which provides a relaxed place for people to talk, share ideas and help each other. We already have 100s members, and our numbers are growing every day.

Working Together to Improve the Lives of Children Affected By Eczema

So, what can you do to celebrate ADHD Awareness  Month? Well, the first thing could be to better educate yourself on the subject via the many resources that exist online. Perhaps you could wear an ADHD Awareness ribbon to show your support or even talk to someone with ADHD, eczema or both. Most importantly, celebrate it in the best way that suits you.

If you’re a parent with a child affected by eczema, we’re here to tell you that you’re not alone. We understand how challenging it can be, particularly when the symptoms of ADHD also rear their head. Our team and everyone in our Facebook Community are here with you, and awareness months like this can help bring people together.

In the meantime, why not learn more about Happy Skin eczema clothing and what it can do for your child’s comfort and overall mental well-being? You can do so by browsing our website or booking a consultation with one of our experts, who’ll be happy to explore your needs and recommend the most suitable products.

 

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