Crumbly Coconut Squares
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Crumbly coconut squares

These are very popular in our house. Be warned, they are really tasty! They are packed with oats so they provide good slow-release energy for kids and adults alike.

Ingredients:

350g (12oz) butter
2 generous tbsp. golden syrup
175g (6oz) soft light brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
75g (3oz) plain flour
375g (13oz) rolled oats
125g (4.5oz) desiccated coconut
38cm x 25cm (15’ x 10’) Swiss roll tin

Method:

  1. Preheat the oven to 180C (350F), gas mark 4.
  2. Place the butter, golden syrup, sugar and vanilla extract into a large saucepan. Bring to a simmer and stir, allowing the butter to melt and form a smooth sauce. Remove from the heat and add the flour, oats and coconut. Stir to mix and pour into the Swiss roll tin, spreading evenly into each corner and smoothing the surface of the oats with the back of the spoon.
  3. Bake in the middle of the oven (too close to the top will cause them to burn) for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and leave to cool in the tin.
  4. Once cool, cut into squares and store in an airtight container.

Egg-free Pancakes
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photo

Yummy pancakes for the whole family – who needs eggs?

 

Ingredients:

175g (6 oz) plain flour

1 tbsp baking powder

1 tbsp sugar

½ tsp salt

225 mls milk

2 tbsp vegetable oil

2 tbsp water

1 tsp vanilla extract

 

Method:

In a bowl, mix together the dry ingredients – flour, baking powder, sugar and salt.

Add in the remaining ingredients – milk, vegetable oil, water and vanilla.

Stir until just moistened.

Spray pan with non-stick spray or lightly wipe with oil. Pour desired amount of batter per pancake.

Pancakes are ready to turn when bottom is turning golden brown.

Flip pancakes with spatula (or if you feel adventurous, go for the free-hander!). Turn only once.

Remove when bottom is golden brown and dry.

Serve warm and sprinkle with your favourite topping!

Mmmm…fluffy & delicious!

Halloween – Kids with eczema and/or allergies
by | posted in: Tips for itchy skin | 0

 

Halloween figurine isolated on white background

Halloween can be one of the most fun times of the year for little ones, but it can also be stressful if you have a child with eczema and/or food allergies. Trick or treating exposes kids to unknown foods, and Halloween parties at school or friends’ houses can be a source of concern if you’re not sure that the goodies will be allergy friendly.

Halloween outfits and an excess of party food can also exacerbate your little ones eczema.

With some planning & preparation, you can have a stress-free Halloween!

 

Costumes – When it comes to costumes, cotton is best. Avoid purchasing costumes made of plastic and synthetics. If you cannot find a costume made from 100% cotton, make sure to wear 100% cotton light undergarments to prevent itching – long sleeved cotton tops are great.  If you are creative, you could also create your own costumes!

Masks – Avoid masks and costumes that cover the face. If the skin becomes overheated, sweating can irritate the skin and cause an eczema flare.

Face paint – Face paint is not good for little ones with sensitive skin and is certainly a no-go if your child has eczema on their face.  If they have eczema on their face but not on arms for example, you could paint that area that is not sensitive so they don’t feel they are completely missing out.  A little lipstick can also be enough to enhance a princess costume!

Triggers – Heat and sweat are known eczema triggers.

Food – Sugar, especially refined sugar can increase skin inflammation, so go easy on the sweets!

Trick or treating – When it comes to trick or treating and food allergies and your child is young enough for you to go with them, you can monitor what treats are being handed out before your child is given them.

Purchase allergy friendly treats in advance and swap them for any inappropriate treats after the trick or treating has finished.

Wearing cotton gloves protects them from coming into contact with items they are allergic to.

It is also good to have your child wash their hands thoroughly after trick or treating.

Parties – Coordinate with the organiser of any Halloween parties to inform them about your child’s allergy and consider volunteering at the Halloween party to make sure your child isn’t exposed to any allergen foods.

Medication – As always make sure to bring their emergency medication with you.

 

Have a safe, happy and healthy Halloween!

 

 

Back to School – Kids with Eczema
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Back to school_edit 2

 

Starting school and Back to school time can be met with both excitement and nerves.  If your little one has eczema, it’s the parents that can be more nervous than the child!  But with some planning, preparation and communication, it can be a lot easier than you think!  Here are some top tips.  Some may apply more than others, depending on the age of your child.

 

Communication – Meet with your child’s teacher and explain to them what the requirements are for best looking after their eczema. This may include some of the following:

Triggers – Discuss what your child’s triggers are, how to best avoid them, how your child behaves when having an eczema flare and how to best handle it. 

Medication – Make an Eczema Relief Kit for your child to keep at school or to bring with them each day. Talk through the kit with your child’s teacher to make sure they understand what each item is for. Things to include can range from moisturiser, antihistamine, bandages, eczema clothing (such as the Itchy Little Monkeys Shruggi™).  

Heat – Request that the windows in the classroom are kept open to allow fresh air to circulate and that your child is seated away from heat sources.

Uniform – Many school uniforms unfortunately can be very heavy and made from synthetic fabrics.  Where possible, your child should be dressed in 100% cotton clothing to prevent itching.  Discuss the necessity of having your child wear natural fabrics as part of their uniform – there are usually similar cotton alternatives available.

Moisturiser – Your child should carry a tub of moisturiser with them to school.  Depending on the age of your child, they may be able to apply themselves or the teacher can assist them.  Make sure that you have applied moisturiser to their skin before sending them off to school each morning.

Education – Educate your child about eczema, their triggers and how to best manage the symptoms. This will help them prevent and treat their symptoms when they are not with you. Validate feelings and insecurities they may have about coping with eczema, especially social insecurities. Children with eczema can feel isolated in social settings.

Stress – Stress is a trigger for eczema whether it stems from the symptoms and treatment of eczema or the academic and social pressures brought on by the school year. It is important to find ways to help your child prevent and cope with the stress brought on by school.  Make sure your child takes part in activities they enjoy and talk to your child about their feelings regularly.

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