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The contents of this website are not intended to be medical advice.
Please see your healthcare
professional
with any specific questions about your condition and / or treatment.
Advice for parents
< Home
The contents of this website are not intended to be medical advice.
Please see your healthcare
professional
with any specific questions about your condition and / or treatment.
The teen years can be an interesting time for parents and children, as your dynamic changes, and needs for greater freedom and autonomy are navigated, not always at a pace one or both parties are comfortable with!
If your child has atopic dermatitis, they will naturally desire to have greater control and autonomy around their management regime, and some of their decisions will not be ones you agree with. We have a few suggestions that may help you navigate this transition, providing support while encouraging independence.
Help your teen develop a daily skincare routine (see: Taking care of your skin with atopic dermatitis). Let them take ownership but remind them when needed.
Encourage your teen to develop a healthy lifestyle, including eating a balanced diet (Nutrition and atopic dermatitis) and regular exercise (Keeping active with atopic dermatitis). Of course, teens are always watching what we do, not just what we say, so lead from the front and demonstrate these healthy lifestyle choices by practising what you preach!
Teens are not known for their hygiene or tidiness! You can help by maintaining the shared spaces of your home to limit allergens (see Allergies and atopic dermatitis), whilst encouraging your child to manage their own space in a similar manner.
Encourage your teenager to take charge of their condition by managing their skincare and lifestyle habits. This will help them gain confidence and control over their condition as they grow older. Try to be supportive but not overbearing, be available to help when needed, but avoid taking over. Allowing your teen to handle their care fosters independence and responsibility.
Encourage open communication about how they feel about their skin and the emotional impact of their condition. Teens may feel self-conscious or frustrated, so let them express these emotions and check in regularly to prompt these discussions. Offer support and make sure they know you’re there if they need help.
Atopic dermatitis can affect a teen’s self-confidence, especially when it comes to appearance. Reassure your teen that their condition doesn’t define them and that flare-ups are manageable. Encourage them to talk to a counsellor or therapist if they’re struggling with self-esteem and try to find role models, such as stories of athletes, celebrities, or influencers who have atopic dermatitis to show your teen that they’re not alone and that others successfully manage the condition.
If your teen needs adjustments at school, such as extended deadlines during flare-ups or changes to the school environment, work with them and their teachers to create a plan. Always allow and encourage your teen to ask for these accommodations for themselves first, to foster that sense of control, but be on hand to step in and help if they need it.
Remind your teen that flare-ups are a normal part of living with atopic dermatitis, that they pass, and they don’t reflect a failure in managing the condition. Always stay positive and focus on the progress they’ve made, through complimenting them when their skin is improving or when they’ve stuck to their skincare routine. Small encouragements can help them stay motivated.