Dragon In My Skin | Eczema project <br> Teachers resources This project has been designed with teachers in mind and so if you want to download a free resource pack to use in the classroom then please click here to download <br> The project What's it like to have eczema? How could you best describe the feeling of having a firey feeling that can itch and twitch inside your skin? Sounds a lot like having a dragon in your skin doesn't it? This premise was the starting point for this project that incorporated music, animation, science and a book in order to help spread understanding about living with and managing eczema successfully. Working with Professor Fiona Cowdell from City of Birmingham University School of Health Sciences and Dr Stephanie Lax from University of Nottingham Centre of Evidence Based Dermatology we developed this project based around five key messages for treating childhood eczema. These messages were intrinsically woven into the narrative of a story written by Hazel Gould and illustrated by Jay Nolan-Latchford. <br> “I was keen for her to get involved in this project to show her that she is not the only one who has this condition. She really enjoyed helping to write the songs and she and her younger brother still sing them all the time. I am so glad that this will now be shared in schools to raise awareness amongst children of what some of their friends are going through and to hopefully encourage more parents to talk about this and share experiences of what treatments have worked for their children.” Parent <br> Engaging young people It was vital that this project speak to and be enhanced by those living with eczema and those we were hoping to inform with this project. Following the writing of the book we engaged a diverse range of children living with eczema to write songs with with Abimaro Gunnell, Raph Clarkson, Deirdre Bencsik and Hazel Gould, to accompany an animated film version of the book. This has since been shared and used widely among schools and in academic circles to encourage a greater understanding of living with eczema. <br> "A huge thank you for all your hard work and efforts too. It's been a fab experience for me as a parent. Also...as a healthcare professional it's really made me think about the paediatric "arm" of my service and the impact of naming and owning long term conditions on children and their families. You guys are simply wonderful and the positive energy from yourself, Deirdre, Raph, Hazel and Abimaro has made this project so engaging." Parent <br> The research bit The aim of this study was to assess if new methods of sharing knowledge about the treatment of eczema and improve experience and outcomes of primary care consultations and self-management practices. The five key messages about eczema care are 1. Eczema is more than just dry skin 2. Eczema does not just go away 3. Moisturisers are for every day 4. Steroid creams are okay when you need them 5. You know your child’s eczema best <br> For more information on Eczema Mindlines and The Dragon in My Skin please visit the BCU website here Take a look through the Dragon In My Skin book <br> NIHR Disclaimer: Fiona Cowdell is funded by a National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Knowledge Mobilisation Research Fellowship. This publication presents independent research funded by the NIHR. The views expressed are those of the author and not necessarily those of the NHS, the NIHR or the Department of Health and Social Care. <br> Book Written by Hazel Gould and illustrated by Jay Nolan-Latchford Music Music Leader Abimaro Gunnell, Orchestration Raph Clarkson Conductor David Lawrence Music Leader Deirdre Bencsik Film Animators Abbie Canning and Darius Powell Led by Fiona Cowdell City of Birmingham University Supported by Stephanie Lax University of Nottingham Manage Cookie Preferences