Thu. Dec 19th, 2024

Are you becoming a ‘Dermaparentologist’?

New study amongst parents highlights that greater knowledge of their child’s eczema can result in improvements to their skin

With parents managing their child’s skin every day for an average of six years,1 and GPs having on average just 30 minutes per year to assess their skin,1 there is an emerging trend of parents becoming skin care experts, or ‘Dermaparentologists’. Commissioned by Epaderm® Junior in partnership with talkhealth, a first-of-its-kind study followed 200 parents of children with eczema over the course of one year. Parents monitored their child’s skin using an ‘Eczema Tracker’ to measure their emotional and physical journey, as well as explored the parents’ choice of treatment for their child’s skin.2

A positive result of the study was improvement in awareness of their child’s skin condition. By the end of the year, over 60% of parents reported that close monitoring had a positive impact on their child’s eczema.2 When considering treatment, almost all of those surveyed (94%) understood the importance of checking the ingredients of the emollients they used on their child’s skin to reduce any additional irritation.2 A third of parents (35%) could name specific ingredients they avoid, including perfume and sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS).2

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Epaderm Junior

This week sees the launch of Epaderm Junior; a highly effective emollient range specifically developed by dermatologists for the management of dry skin conditions, including eczema and psoriasis.3,4 Suitable for children’s delicate skin, Epaderm Junior is free from fragrance, colouring and SLS.5 The Junior range is the newest addition to the Epaderm family – a trusted brand amongst doctors and the number one prescribed emollient ointment in the UK.6,7

“1 in 5 children in the UK have eczema and this study shows that parents who track their child’s skin are becoming more informed on what treatment regime works best. Choosing an emollient that is gentle on delicate skin, as well as being free from SLS and perfumes is important for parents committed to effectively managing their child’s eczema” comments Karen Pett, Clinical Nurse Specialist in Paediatric Dermatology at West Hertfordshire NHS Trust.

The study also showed that parents who used the ‘Eczema Tracker’ became more experienced in what worked best for their children, with 82% finding the process helpful and 99% recommending it for other parents.2

The Epaderm Junior range is now available in Boots.

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By Penny McCarthy

Penny McCarthy is a seasoned entrepreneur and co-founder of Parents News UK, a pioneering publication launched in 1993 to serve the needs of busy parents in Southwest London. Alongside her husband, Fergus McCarthy, Penny played a crucial role in the rapid expansion of the printed edition, which grew from a local startup to a widely circulated monthly publication with a reach of 192,000 copies across Kent, South London, and beyond. Under Penny’s leadership, Parents News quickly became a trusted resource for families, providing valuable information on education, entertainment, sports, and family-friendly events. Her vision helped the publication extend its influence with franchises in Northern Ireland and Cornwall, catering to a growing demand for accessible, family-oriented content. In 1997, recognising the importance of digital media, Penny spearheaded the launch of Parents News UK Online. The website initially mirrored the content of the printed editions and has since evolved into a comprehensive online resource for parents, achieving significant popularity with up to 700 daily hits. In 2017, the publication transitioned fully to an online platform, continuing to inform and engage families across the UK. Today, Penny remains deeply involved in the ongoing success of Parents News UK, focusing on innovative advertising opportunities and future growth plans. Her dedication to supporting families through accessible and practical content has made Parents News a cherished name in households across the country.

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