Holiday fun for eczema kids

The summer holidays – for children a lovely long break from school, for parents a seemingly endless round of sibling bickering, cries of “I’m bored!” and delving into the wallet time and time again. If you are struggling to think of suitable things to entertain your scratchy child this summer we have put together our favourite sources of holiday fun for eczema kids. What’s more, they won’t break the bank of mum and dad!

Swimming

It may surprise you to know that the chlorine in swimming pools can actually help relieve eczema, acting like a gentle bleach bath. Not convinced? Check out our article on swimming for eczema babies. The logic applies to children of all ages and may well change your mind about braving the local pool! Further information on outdoor pools and saltwater lidos can be found here.

A trip to the seaside

Salt water has tremendous healing properties and can make a real difference to eczema. Even a paddle can make a difference. Be aware that open wounds can sting but if their skin is unbroken and you live near the coast head on down for some sandcastle building and splashing! Having grown up near the beach a good tip is to go early in the morning or in the early evening when the beach will be quieter and the sun less aggressive. Find more top tips for taking an eczema child to the beach here. Don’t have a beach nearby? Why not make your own little ocean by adding a bowlful of salt dissolved in hot water to the paddling pool?

The wonders of the web

There are a huge range of websites out there aimed at occupying bored little people. British summers are not the most reliable so if it’s tipping with rain we recommend checking out these little treasure troves to distract from the itch!

• www.sparklebox.co.uk
• www.activityvillage.co.uk
• www.funbrain.com
• http://pbskids.org/games/
• http://www.sheppardsoftware.com

Eat al fresco! 

Picnics are great fun for children of all ages. What’s more you are spared the anxiety of constantly trying to quieten them down in a restaurant whilst simultaneously being able to ensure they get all the right foods if they have allergies. A picnic blanket to keep scratchy grass off sensitive skin is a must but otherwise it’s all up to you! You can choose your scenery – woodland, fields, by a river or even in your own back garden. Why not add a theme to your picnic to get them in the mood – dress up, bring craft equipment or even pitch a tent and eat in there if it’s raining! Our top tip for summer eating out is to use a thermos to keep ice lollies frozen. Ta da!!!

Get creative

Why not make your own play dough? It’s simple and fun and you can add food colouring or even glitter to make it your own. There are plenty of recipes on the web – this is our favourite but if you need an allergy-friendly recipe this is a great place to start. 

Make your own eczema salve

If your little one is suffering with summer scratchiness you could have a go at making this fantastic beeswax and manuka honey cream with them. Tried and tested by our very own Zoe!

Cooking is always fun

Take a look at our delicious allergy friendly recipes, all easy to make with your little sous chefs! To further encourage culinary creativity why not buy some cheap pots from the local garden centre and paint them before having a go at growing your own herb garden?

Organise a treasure hunt

Clues can be pictures for little ones or more cryptic for the older kids. Getting out in the fresh air and focusing on finding that treasure will distract even the most ardent itcher!

Here at ScratchSleeves we don’t just share our experiences of bringing up an eczema child and favourite allergy friendly recipes, we also manufacturer and sell our unique stay-on scratch mitts and PJs for itchy babies, toddlers and children. We now stock sizes from 0-adult years in a range of colours. Visit our webshop for more information.