I started writing this week about our journey to healing for our daughter. Before going too much further, I want you to understand eczema and the challenges it brings.

First, here is a basic definition from The National Eczema Association.

Eczema is the name for a group of conditions that cause the skin to become red, itchy and inflamed. There are several types of eczema: atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, nummular eczema, seborrheic dermatitis and stasis dermatitis.

Eczema is very common. And in many cases, it’s also manageable. In fact, over 30 million Americans have some form of eczema.

I’ll go into the different types later because that is something we found out as part of our journey.

After the first couple of years, our daughter progressed into what would be considered moderate eczema. This picture is not of her but this gives you an understanding of the redness and irritation. For our daughter, it was not just behind the knees and in the bend of her elbow. It was on her head/scalp, her neck, sometimes her eyelids, her back, and legs. Her hands and feet were the worst.

 

 

When it becomes severe, it can look like this (not to gross you out). It is very inflamed and red, usually with open sores from scratching. The skin and sores can become “weepy” as a clear liquid seeps out from the skin. This was one of the things she dreaded most. She didn’t want to wear socks because when the weeping dried, her socks would stick to her skin and it would hurt to take her socks off.

Many people would look at her (or others with severe eczema) and say they look like burn victims. It is hard to watch your child, or anyone that you care about, suffer through this condition.

 

Now that you have an understanding of what eczema is and how bad it can get, my next blog will focus on the impact this illness can have on family, friendships and life in general.

To end on a positive note, here is a scripture that kept me going through many a sleepless night.

As always, I welcome your likes and comments.