Facing Eczema at Four Months Old

My daughter, Kiley, started her journey with eczema in early 2014 when she was just four months old. She was just a baby — or more accurately, a very itchy, red, uncomfortable, unhappy baby.

It didn’t take long for me and my husband to realize that Kiley had a significant medical issue. Unfortunately, finding help and solutions for our little girl’s skin took a really long time. 

Struggling to find medical help

Kiley’s skin was dry, red and flaky, and her condition was getting worse with each passing day. Our goal everyday was to keep her comfortable enough to get through the day. Anything we could do to alleviate her discomfort and prevent her from scratching her face and body until it bled was a hard-won victory for us. 

After numerous consultations with all sorts of medical professionals, we were still alone and still searching for answers. We left these doctor appointments without a diagnosis, treatment plan or a glimmer of hope. We were in a state of despair, both emotionally and financially. 

Every day and night we held our precious little baby, clinging to hope that someday soon we would be able to provide her with the help she so desperately needed.

Going out of state to find eczema care

In our darkest moment, I placed a desperate phone call to a pediatric dermatology office in another state, pleading for a same-day appointment. Thankfully, this appointment paved the way for a new chapter in Kiley’s journey. 

We went to the appointment and the doctor immediately hospitalized Kiley. She was four months old. We were terrified.

In the hospital, Kiley underwent skin biopsies, blood work and general care, ultimately receiving the long-awaited diagnosis of atopic dermatitis — the most common type of eczema. Finally, we had a name for her disease. 

We left the hospital with a comprehensive treatment plan. Our days were soon filled with a newfound sense of purpose, as we explored various ointments, creams and wet wraps. We were on a path to developing a deeper understanding of eczema. 

A new sense of hope

As the days turned into years, new treatments and options have become available for Kiley’s atopic dermatitis. We’ve learned a lot about eczema and we’re confident we are providing the best possible care for Kiley. 

Now that she is 11 years old, Kiley is an active participant in her eczema care. This has been transformative for her care. Currently, when a flare occurs, she is able to apply her prescribed topical ointments. She also understands the importance of keeping her skin hydrated to lock in the moisture in her skin barrier.

We’re also so proud of her strength and resilience. In 2022, when Kiley was 8 years old, we took her to the National Eczema Association’s Eczema Expo where she met so many other kids with eczema. She quickly discovered her eczema warrior tribe! As a result, she’s now a passionate eczema advocate, inspiring countless others with her confidence and determination. 

As a family, we continue to hold onto the hope that a cure will be found someday, but until then, we will continue to fight on, fueled by our unwavering love and support for Kiley and all eczema warriors.

Become a NEA Ambassador

Jaylin Anderson is a NEA Ambassador. If you’re an adult living with eczema or a caregiver of someone with eczema, join NEA Ambassadors to make a difference for the eczema community.