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We first noticed Kyle’s eczema when he was around 3 years old. As a first-time mother, I didn’t know what it was, so I made an appointment with our family doctor. She then referred me to a dermatologist who advised us that Kyle suffers from a mild form of eczema.
According to eczemahelp.ca, Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition, characterized by dry skin, with red patches that are extremely itchy. For some people, having eczema really impacts their quality of life.
Luckily, Kyle’s flare-ups are rare and far and few in between since he was first diagnosed with eczema (also known as atopic dermatitis). What we did notice is that his flare-ups occur mostly in the summer. We often find red, dry, itchy patches on the bottom of his chin, arm bends, and the back of his knees. I believe that part of the reason is that he sweats more in the summer when he’s playing ball hockey and baseball. Typically, excessive sweating is a trigger for eczema flare ups.
While mild, Kyle’s eczema still causes him a lot of pain and discomfort. So much so that he often has a hard time falling asleep. However, for most people, living with eczema is a burden.
We found that following a treatment plan helps alleviate Kyle’s itching. We are working on being more consistent in following his treatment plan daily during the summer months. As a chronic condition, eczema requires ongoing management. Flare-ups can still occur even when you are diligently taking care of your skin!
Those who suffer from Atopic dermatitis (‘AD’) deal with it by treating recurrent flares. While there’s no cure, a treatment plan can help manage eczema symptoms. Speak to your doctor about setting up a personalized management plan for AD that works for you and a proper skincare routine can keep your skin hydrated and moisturized.
// Do you or someone you know suffer from eczema? What have you found that works for you?