“I’m 15 years old and I have my first proper school exams in a few weeks. My eczema is really bad at the moment, and I’m worried about being able to write and how my skin might affect my grades. Can you give me any advice?”
Eczema flares don’t always happen at convenient times, and stress can often make symptoms worse, which then increases your stress levels even more. It can feel like a vicious cycle, especially around exam time.
At Eczema Outreach Support (EOS), we completely understand how challenging this can be. Sitting exams while dealing with itchy, sore skin, tiredness, and difficulty concentrating is tough. The good news is, there are a few things you can do to make it more manageable.
Communicate with Your School
If you’re worried about managing your eczema during exams, talk to your teachers or Head of Year as soon as possible. Schools can often make reasonable adjustments to help, such as:
- Allowing you to sit your exam in a separate room where you can manage your symptoms more comfortably.
- Providing extra time if your eczema affects your ability to write.
- Arranging for a scribe or use of a laptop if writing is painful or difficult during a flare.
By letting your school know in advance, you’ll have time to work together to find the best solutions for you.
Prepare for the Exam Environment
A few small changes can make a big difference on the day:
- Ask your school about suitable clothing options if your school uniform irritates your skin. Choose soft, breathable fabrics that won’t irritate your skin and will help you stay comfortable.
- Bring a clear water bottle to your exam, staying hydrated supports both focus and skin health.
- Exam rooms can get warm, so dress in layers and try to keep cool to avoid triggering a flare.
Find ways to relax
Exam season can be stressful for everyone. Stress is a known eczema trigger, so it’s important to take time to relax alongside preparing for your exams. Finding ways to unwind can help both your skin and your mind.
- Try deep breathing exercises, regulating your breath calms your body and mind.
- Around exam periods set time aside for mindfulness, there are apps to help guide you and even just 5 minutes a day can make a difference.
- Sleep can be tricky with eczema, but having a good bedtime routine can help you feel more rested and focused.
We’re Here to Help
If you’d like to talk about your worries or need more personalised support, please get in touch with one of our Family Workers by emailing info@eos.org.uk.
We’re here to listen and to help you find ways to make exam season as stress-free and comfortable as possible. You’re not alone, you’ve got this!
