Too many teachers have serious misconceptions about eczema, a chronic, itchy skin condition that affects up to 10 per cent of schoolchildren and may interfere indirectly with school performance, according to a survey.

The survey, carried out under the auspices of the Malta Eczema Society, found that one in four teachers are under the impression that eczema is contagious. One in five believe it may cause below normal intelligence and one in ten are unsure about whether children with the condition should attend normal school.

The report on the survey points out that the misplaced fear of catching eczema from those affected could result in sufferers being stigmatised and isolated unnecessarily.

And eczema has no effect on intelligence, contrary to some teachers' perception, although hand eczema may make writing difficult and itching may disrupt concentration in class. (See more details in sidebar).

The report, which was written by consultant dermatologist Michael J. Boffa, also found it "surprising", in this age of inclusive education, that only 90 per cent of the teachers appeared convinced that children with eczema should attend a normal school.

The survey took the form of a questionnaire sent to 240 teachers in 14 state, Church and private schools, both secondary and primary.

Another important finding was that only 18 per cent of the teachers questioned were aware of ever having had a child with eczema in their class, although in an average class of 30 up to three children may be suffering from the condition.

"This suggests that in many cases teachers are not being made aware of the childrens' condition. This is unfortunate and every effort should be made to encourage parents to inform teachers fully," says the report.

"Children with eczema should be taught about their condition (e.g. that it is not contagious) to be able to answer questions and comments from other children, parents and teachers.

Older children with eczema (like children with other medical problems such as diabetes and epilepsy) could be encouraged to give a presentation to their class about their condition."

While most teachers correctly identified the factors that usually aggravate eczema, less than one fourth answered correctly that PE and sports could make it worse.

Almost half the respondents were unaware that antihistamine medicine for itching could cause daytime drowsiness.

And although most knew that a career such as hairdressing could make eczema worse, they were not aware that food handling, building work and nursing could also do so, suggesting the need for training on career advice for eczema sufferers.

"There is need for information campaigns among teachers about the condition," concluded the report.

The Malta Eczema Society is a voluntary support group for patients with eczema and their families. It provides support, information and practical advice to sufferers and tries to increase awareness about the condition and its problems. For more information contact Mr H. Debono (tel. 2133 5140), Mr A Baldacchino (2138 6850) or Mrs J. Borg (2143 6550).

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