A Pontardawe schoolgirl with painful eczema that causes her skin to weep and bleed is starring in an animation to educate children on the condition. 

Esme Cockram has been selected to star in an animation from Eczema Outreach Support (EOS), the charity which her family joined for support and advice.

Esme was diagnosed with eczema as a toddler, but only mildly in the creases of her skin. 

However, two years ago, her condition worsened, and she was covered in eczema from head to toe, even losing hair due to the chronic condition. 

The six-year-old now struggles to sleep due to the intense itching and mum Leanne has to change her bedding daily as the sheets are covered in blood by morning. 

Eczema Outreach Support is based in Scotland and supports nearly 4,000 children with eczema and their families.

The film is available now and features children from EOS that live with the condition. 

South Wales Guardian: Esme's condition worsened two years ago after having it mildly as a toddlerEsme's condition worsened two years ago after having it mildly as a toddler (Image: .)

Esme's mum Leanne said: "Starring in the animation has been a huge boost for Esme, it was lovely for her to get something positive from having eczema and she loved being part of something with other kids with eczema.

“She worked really hard to learn the script and it really gave her a confidence boost when she was feeling very down about her skin."

Esme missed seven months of school last term and struggled to get out of bed due to the pain caused by her broken, sore skin.

She would also wake throughout the night and baths were so painful that she refused to go near them for a year. 

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Esme attends Singleton Hospital in Swansea for dermatology appointments, and is on strong immunosuppressants which have made a big difference to her skin.

Leanne said about EOS: "The charity sent a welcome pack with things that can help children with eczema and Esme has benefited from knowing there are other children like her out there.

"There is no one in her school affected to the same extent and she felt quite alone and would be very self-conscious about her skin. 

"People don't realise how awful eczema can be, it's not always just an itchy patch, it can affect the whole family and impact every minute of your day.” 

South Wales Guardian: A still from the animation Esme is starring inA still from the animation Esme is starring in (Image: .)