This Duo’s Superpower? Friendship and Resilience Only a Mom and Daughter Can Share

When your child is struggling with eczema, you feel it too. Ella’s mom, Amy, first noticed dry, itchy, red rashes on her daughter’s body when she was an infant. It took meeting a new pediatrician to give a name to what Amy had been seeing, and help them begin their treatment journey: atopic dermatitis —the most common form of eczema.

Along the way, Amy and Ella found they had superpowers — resilience and friendship — that together have helped Ella manage her eczema. In a conversation with the National Eczema Association (NEA), they reflect on the early years of managing Ella’s severe eczema and how their experience inspired them to support other families affected by eczema.

The interview has been condensed for length and clarity.

NEA: What symptoms were Ella experiencing that led to a diagnosis?

Amy: “It’s just eczema,” I remember thinking after Ella was diagnosed around eight weeks old. Little did I know it would take over her body and our lives in the coming months.

Ella had a lot of eczema rashes early on and was clearly so uncomfortable as a baby. She cried a lot and often seemed miserable.

She could never sleep, and everything seemed to bother her: cold and heat, bath time and even the clothes we put on her.

NEA: Can you both share what those early years with eczema were like — what does Ella remember, and what was Amy’s experience as a mother of a child with eczema?

Ella: When I was younger, I used to feel so ugly — like my eczema made me feel different from everyone else. But now that it’s under control, I feel beautiful.

Amy: People would ask what’s on Ella’s skin, and I encouraged her to be honest and explain, “I have eczema, it’s a condition where my skin can get irritated, dry and itchy.” As Ella has grown up, she’s done an incredible job at educating people.

NEA: Ella and Amy, what do you feel like your “inner superpower” is related to managing eczema? 

Amy: My superpower has been resilience and keeping faith that Ella’s eczema would get better. There were days when I felt I couldn’t go on, but I knew I needed to keep putting one foot in front of the other.

You become the cheerleader saying, “You’re going to be okay. I promise there are people out there working to make your condition better.”

Ella: And my superpower is being a good friend. When I was little, everybody was afraid of me and my itchy rashes. That made me feel sad. I don’t want other kids to feel that way.

NEA: Finish this sentence, “My superpower makes me feel _______.”

Amy: Like I can get up every day and keep moving forward. It brings me comfort to know that whatever it is, we’re going to get through it together.

Ella: Really good. Sometimes I’m shy, but when it comes to eczema, I’m not shy about sharing my experience. I want people like me to know that they’re not alone.

NEA: Who are your biggest supporters? 

Amy: Ella and I have been each other’s support systems. We’ve pulled each other through many tough times.

The NEA community has also allowed us to meet other families going through similar journeys. We attended Eczema Expo, where we met new friends who are also living with eczem

Ella: My family is definitely my support system. My cousins, aunts, uncles and especially my sisters. My mom and dad, too!

NEA: What would you want to tell someone supporting a loved one with eczema?

Ella: Don’t give up on them. You want to hear what they’re saying.

NEA: What advice would you give to someone who’s just received their own eczema diagnosis or is struggling to manage their symptoms?

Amy: First, take a deep breath and pace yourself, as it’s a long road with many ups and downs. Then, find people in your community who have become experts in this and pick their brains.

Ask what they tried and which physicians they used to help build your own eczema toolbox; experts are often other caregivers and their kids.

NEA: What’s one thing you wish more people understood about eczema?

Ella: Not everyone can control their eczema. Many think it’s just a little rash, but it’s not.

My eczema doesn’t define me; my story does.

Anything but typical: Celebrating me with AD

NEA has partnered with Understand AD^TM, supported by Sanofi and Regeneron, to create an educational campaign that empowers people living with atopic dermatitis and their caregivers with tools to advocate for their health. This year, Understand AD features Amy, Ella and other eczema community members’ unique “superpowers” — the inspiring traits, strategies and mindsets their eczema journey has given them.

The campaign encourages honest conversations about the realities of eczema, celebrates the strength found in community support and underscores the importance of open dialogue with healthcare providers. Visit UnderstandAD.com to discover other stories and video resources from the eczema community.