DERMATOLOGY PRAXIS interviewed Hannes Lüthi, Director of Professional Services at the aha! Allergy Center Switzerland, about the current options available to patients in the field of neurodermatitis. There are many possibilities for children and their families, ranging from intensive courses to summer camps for children. When dealing with young patients, it is important to adapt to the person you are dealing with in order to convey information.
Mr. Lüthi, neurodermatitis mostly manifests itself early, with 85% of patients showing signs of the disease before the age of five. How are neurodermatitis trainings implemented in such young patients?
Hannes Lüthi: Neurodermatitis training for children teaches children ages four to seven to take responsibility for themselves, their skin and the disease through play. Children care for their skin and learn strategies to deal with the unpleasant itch and the negative reactions from those around them. They also learn to relax, avoid allergens and are encouraged to recognize their own strengths.
The puppet “Phil” and his four-legged friend “Bo” are the heroes of the children’s courses; they accompany the group throughout the day. Each child goes home with several “gifts” that will help them deal with their illness: “Bo”, the four-legged friend, the motivational book “Das Rucksäckchen” in German (“The little backpack”), as well as many other treasures that the children can take along in their own backpack.
For children, it is also important that parents and other caregivers know how to manage the disease. Are parents present during class?
Yes, the parents are also present: while the children learn a lot of interesting things about their skin in groups, the parents receive interesting information about the clinical picture of neurodermatitis in lectures and participate in practical workshops. This day also gives parents the opportunity to share valuable experiences with each other.
Do you also offer courses exclusively for adults in the immediate environment?
Yes, we also offer neurodermatitis training for parents. These courses are designed for parents and other caregivers of children aged 0-7 years affected by the disease.
How does the content of these trainings differ from those directly affected by the disease?
Children are not present at the neurodermatitis training for parents. The parents learn the medical basics and are given a lot of knowledge about the structure and care of the skin. Other topics such as nutrition, prevention, daily strategies and complementary therapeutic methods are also covered.
Do you work closely with physicians in planning and take into account the latest research findings, for example, on new forms of treatment?
The trainings are led by an interdisciplinary team of specialists in the fields of medicine, psychology and nutrition. The content and offers of aha! Allergy Center Switzerland are based on current scientific knowledge. We also work closely with a scientific council composed of personalities from the medical-scientific community.
It may be important for dermatologists and treating physicians to inform affected individuals about offers of assistance and to be able to refer them to a competent agency. In which cantons are the courses offered and how can I register?
Neurodermatitis training courses for children are held in Bern, Zurich and Lucerne. The parent training courses take place in spring and autumn in Aarau, Basel, Bern, Lucerne and Zurich.
Courses are also offered in Lausanne and Geneva in French-speaking Switzerland. It is possible to register directly on the website: www.aha.ch under the heading of training and courses or by calling 031 359 90 00.
What other services are available for children affected by the disease? Your website mentions camps for children and teenagers, what are they?
These vacation offers are designed for children and teenagers with allergies, asthma or neurodermatitis. The camp for children between the ages of eight and twelve offers a week-long vacation full of games, fun and adventure. The camp for teenagers between 13 and 16 years old is a winter sports camp. Through specialized supervision, children and adolescents are encouraged to responsibly manage the stresses of their health condition. The team of instructors knows the medical history of the participants and their particular needs are taken into account, especially in terms of nutrition. All summer camps take place in the Davos/Klosters area.
How can we help children who, because of their visible skin condition, are ostracized or mobbed at school?
Parents and teachers must be particularly involved in these cases. Affected children need to be supported in dealing with negative reactions. Above all, it is important that they develop a healthy sense of self-worth. Parents make an essential contribution in this area. This aspect is also part of the topics covered in the courses. On the other hand, teachers must take appropriate preventive measures, position themselves clearly and be able to react systematically to such incidents. The school social worker can also offer support in these situations and the specialists at aha! Allergy Center Switzerland are at your side to advise you.
Interview: Andreas Grossmann
