We Love Someone with Eczema!

October is Eczema Awareness Month, so I am going to try to share a little each week about this condition that our Meredith suffers from. I say suffer, because she really does struggle each and every day with this condition. Meredith was diagnosed with atopic dermatitis, an autoimmune condition, when she was just three months old. As Meredith has gotten older, some aspects of the condition have gotten a little better, while others have worsened. When Meredith was four years old, she was hospitalized due to an infection related to her condition. You can read more about that here:  Meredith's Hospital Adventure

After Meredith's hospitalization, we were referred to UNC Dermatology in Chapel Hill.  This began our journey with Dr. McShane who has been following Meredith's case since. Dr. McShane has tried many things over the years with Meredith.  There was a trial that started last year and we were so hopeful that Meredith would get to be a part of the trial. Unfortunately, they decided the children included in the trial had to be over the age of 12. Meredith was so disappointed. Dr. McShane has stuck with us through so much. She has really been an encouragement for Meredith.

We actually get to see Dr. McShane tomorrow. Meredith hasn't seen her in about 6 months and she has lately been struggling with major flares, so she cannot wait to see Dr. McShane.

What is Atopic Dermatitis?

Today, I'll share the difference between eczema and atopic dermatitis. Eczema is actually a general term for dermatitis. Dermatitis means inflammation of the skin. All of the types eczema cause redness and itching, but some will blister, weep, and even peel. There are several different types of eczema. Atopic dermatitis is considered a severe and chronic or long-lasting form of eczema. Each type of eczema has different triggers, symptoms, and treatments. It's important to know why type you have, in order to be able to manage it appropriately. 

What are the Symptoms of Atopic Dermatitis?

Atopic dermatitis is chronic. It does not usually go away in a few days or weeks. For many, this is a lifelong condition. It is very itchy and can cause damage to the skin from repeated scratching or rubbing. It normally appears on the cheeks, legs, and arms, but can be found anywhere on the body. 

Symptoms include:

* dry, scaly skin

* redness

* itching

* cracks behind the ears

* rash on the cheeks, arms, and/or legs

* open, crusted, or "weepy" sores (typically occurs during flares)

Because the skin can become open during flares, infections are common. 

How can Atopic Dermatitis be treated?

Depending on the severity of symptoms, the condition can be treated with:

* topical medications (such as steroidal ointments)

* phototherapy (light treatment)

* immunosuppressant drugs (curb the immune system)

* biologic drugs (target specific areas of the immune system)

* systemic steroids by mouth or injection (used in extreme cases)

Unfortunately, Meredith has experienced all of the above symptoms, plus! She has also tried many different treatments. Some work better than others. Now that she is older, she is much more concerned with her appearance. She has been bullied and picked on at school many times. I am amazed at her strength and how resilient she is. This year alone, she has been called "diseased", "scab face", and more. She came home one day last week and told me that a boy in her grade had made an ugly comment about her face to her. Her reply to him was "thank you" and she kept walking. This girl has gone through more than I ever did as I was growing up, but she still manages to keep a positive attitude, smile on her face, and a kind heart. 

Meredith, I know you will read this. I want you to know that I am so proud of you! You are beautiful inside and out. I only wish I was half as strong and brave as you are. Love you more than you will ever know!