Eczema Clinic

With the Leaving and Junior Cert exams less than two weeks away, the Irish Pharmaceutical Union (IPU) has warned that exam stress can cause an increase in a number of minor ailments among students.

These include headaches, stomach upsets, diarrhoea or constipation and a flare-up of certain conditions such as eczema, asthma and acne, the IPU said.

It has issued a Safe Code to help students minimise some of the symptoms that can be associated with minor ailments resulting from exam stress.

Keith O'Hourihane of the IPU said students can be under great pressure at exam time and stress manifests itself in the body in a number of ways, both mentally and physically.

'We would encourage students and/or their parents to talk to their local pharmacist if they have any concerns or want to take precautions in advance of the exams starting. Coping with the exams is stressful enough without the added pressure of dealing with uncomfortable symptoms that can be distracting and upsetting.'

The IPU’s advice includes:

Headache: Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. Students who wear glasses or contact lenses should make sure to do so when they are studying so as not to strain their eyes. Study in a well-ventilated room.

Stomach upsets: Avoid spicy foods or foods that don't agree with you. Eat small amounts regularly. A glass of milk or peppermint tea can be good for stomach upsets.

Eczema: Stress can cause eczema to flare up. Keep the skin well moisturised with the cream prescribed by your doctor. Wear loose-fitting clothes that won't aggravate the condition.

Asthma: Be extra vigilant in using inhalers correctly. Preventative inhalers should be used regularly. Make sure that you have an ample supply of inhalers and carry an inhaler with you at all times so it can be used during the exam if required.

Hay fever: Those who suffer from hay fever should take steps to ensure that the condition does not flare up during exams. Simple steps are important, such as keeping doors and windows closed in mid-morning and early evening when pollen levels peak, and avoiding lying on grass. If you need to take antihistamines, make sure you take ones which do not cause drowsiness.

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