Supporting Someone Living with Eczema: Practical Ways to Make a Difference

Eczema isn’t just about dry or itchy skin – it’s a daily challenge that can affect every part of a person’s life, often in ways that are not visible to others. The physical discomfort, the emotional strain, and the need to constantly manage symptoms can be overwhelming. 

During Eczema Awareness Month, we’re taking the time to recognise just how important supporting someone with eczema is, whether you’re a friend, family member, teacher, or caregiver. Your understanding and compassion can make a bigger difference than you might realise.

Knowing what to say, what to avoid, and how to genuinely help can make a real difference in the life of someone managing eczema. It’s not about offering quick fixes – it’s about offering understanding, patience, and encouragement.

Why Support Matters for People with Eczema

Living with eczema can be exhausting. The constant itching, discomfort, and visible signs of the condition can leave people feeling self-conscious, isolated, and frustrated. Some may experience broken sleep, flare-up anxiety, or even depression linked to their skin health.

Support from loved ones can ease that burden. Feeling understood and accepted helps someone with eczema feel less alone and more empowered to manage their condition without fear of judgment.

Helpful Things You Can Say to Someone with Eczema

When someone you care about is living with eczema, knowing what to say can feel tricky. 

You might worry about saying the wrong thing, offering unwanted advice, or making them feel worse by accident. But often, it’s not about having the perfect words, it’s about showing you care, listening without judgment, and letting them know they’re not alone.

Simple words of encouragement can go a long way in making someone feel seen and supported. They can help ease the emotional weight that often comes with managing a visible and sometimes unpredictable condition like eczema.

Here are some thoughtful things you might say to genuinely help:

• “That sounds really tough. Is there anything I can do to support you today?”
  
• “You don’t have to explain or apologise for your skin. I’m here for you.”
  
• “I admire how you manage everything you do –  especially while dealing with eczema.”
  
• “Take the time you need. Your health comes first.”
  

The key is offering empathy without trying to fix things and listening openly and actively, respecting their experience, and reminding them that they are valued, regardless of how their skin looks, building trust, comfort, and connection.

What to Avoid Saying to Someone with Eczema

When you care about someone, it’s natural to want to offer advice, reassurance, or try to lift their spirits. But even with the best intentions, some comments can come across as dismissive, frustrating, or even hurtful to someone living with eczema.

Because eczema is often misunderstood, people with the condition can find themselves fielding unwanted advice or minimising comments that add to their emotional load. Being mindful of your words helps create a safer, more supportive space for them to share how they are feeling, without fear of judgment or pressure.

Here are a few phrases to steer clear of:

• “Have you tried [insert remedy]?” – Unless they ask for advice, avoid suggesting treatments. Chances are, they have already tried many options.
  
• “It’s just dry skin – it’s not that bad.” – This dismisses their experience and the real pain and discomfort eczema can cause.
  
• “You should just stop scratching.” – Scratching can be an involuntary reaction to intense itchiness. It’s not as simple as just stopping.
  
• “At least it’s not something worse.” – While intended to be positive, comparisons can feel invalidating and minimise what they are going through.
  

Sometimes, the best support you can offer is simply listening and acknowledging that living with eczema is hard and that their feelings are valid.

Supporting Children with Eczema: Tips for Teachers and Carers

Children living with eczema often face unique challenges that go far beyond the physical symptoms. In school or care settings, they may struggle with discomfort, social pressures, or even teasing from others. 

With a little extra understanding and support, you can make their daily experiences more comfortable and positive. Minor adjustments can make a big difference to their confidence, well-being, and ability to participate fully.

You can help by:

• Being understanding about dress codes – Some children may need to wear soft, loose clothing or avoid certain uniforms.
  
• Allowing extra time for applying creams – Moisturising during the day can be essential for managing symptoms.
  
• Watching for bullying or teasing – Sadly, kids with eczema may be targets. Building a culture of kindness and understanding is vital.
  
• Being flexible with activities – Avoiding triggers like sandpits, grass, or certain art materials can prevent unnecessary flare-ups.

Open communication with parents or guardians can also help you provide the best support possible.

Simple Acts That Show You Care

Supporting someone with eczema doesn’t always require big gestures or complicated solutions. Often, it’s the small, thoughtful actions that mean the most. Being mindful of their needs and showing quiet support in everyday moments can help them feel more comfortable, respected and cared for. It shows that you see what they are going through – and that you are willing to walk alongside them without judgment or pressure.

Here are a few simple ways you can offer practical support:

• Offer fragrance-free products if you’re hosting them at your home, such as soaps, laundry detergents, and air fresheners.
  
• Be flexible with plans – Someone with eczema might cancel at short notice due to a flare-up. Your understanding means everything.
  
• Ask if they need a break – Itching, heat, and skin pain can become overwhelming in busy or crowded environments.
  

Support their choices – Whether they use medication, diet changes, natural remedies or a combination, respect that they know what works best for their body.

The Importance of Emotional Support

Eczema is often unpredictable. Someone may have good days and bad days without any apparent cause. Offering emotional support that is consistent, non-judgmental, and pressure-free helps create a safe space for them to be themselves.

You don’t have to have all the answers. Simply listening, being patient, and reassuring them that their health and comfort matter can make all the difference.

Encouraging Greater Eczema Awareness in Your Community

One of the most powerful ways you can support someone with eczema is by helping raise awareness. Many people still don’t understand how severe eczema can be or how deeply it affects a person’s life.

During Eczema Awareness Month, you might:

• Share educational posts on social media
  
• Join or support local eczema organisations, like the Eczema Association of Australasia.
  
• Encourage conversations about eczema in your community or workplace.
  
• Donate or fundraise for eczema research and support services.
  

Small acts can add up to a more compassionate, understanding world.

Supporting Someone with Eczema Matters

Supporting someone living with eczema goes beyond offering creams or advice – it is about providing empathy, understanding, and a willingness to learn. Whether you are a friend, family member, teacher, or carer, your support can lighten the load they carry each day.

This Eczema Awareness Month, let’s promote real understanding and allyship. Stand together with the eczema community by making a donation or purchasing a membership for a loved one living with eczema. Your support helps provide vital support, education, resources, and a sense of belonging for eczema sufferers across Australia. Every act of care, no matter how small, can have a lasting impact.