Finding acceptance as a caregiver and an eczema sufferer
Having moderate to severe eczema can make you feel like an expert in the condition. So when an eczema sufferer becomes a parent to someone with eczema, how does that knowledge translate to taking on the new role of caregiver?
We invited ESC volunteer, Eczema Ambassador, and fellow eczema sufferer Tanya Mohan shares what this experience has been like for her family, and what she has learned along the way.
“When my son was born, I felt it was inevitable that he would likely have eczema. Within days, his eczema started to appear, and I just knew it would be like mine. My initial reaction wasn’t too bad – it’s almost like I was expecting it, and I was hopeful at that time because I knew how to manage it and wasn’t afraid of the topicals that I knew would be prescribed.
As time went on, I began to witness how much the itch affected him. This started to bring back SO many painful feelings for me based on my own experience, and it’s been an ongoing challenge to keep those feelings separate.
Being a caregiver who has moderate to severe eczema and caring for a baby with moderate to severe eczema has been complex. While I understand the condition and feel like I generally know what to do when he is itchy, or what cream to use, or what temperature the house should be, I worry I may incorrectly assume that his skin feels just like mine.
I’ve learned it helps to approach his treatment and appointments with the eyes of someone brand new to the world of eczema. I do this because the way childhood eczema is treated can be different than adult eczema, and so much of eczema treatment has evolved and changed since I was a child.
Self-care has been important to me as both a patient and as a mother. It has been helpful to accept the condition for what it is; something chronic that is not going away. We have to keep at it, and while that can be tiring, this acceptance has helped me cope with the ups and downs that come along with the journey.
Our family has also learned that sharing skin care duties is critical. By avoiding making one person the sole expert in moisturizing, bathing, and applying treatment, splitting the role allows for trading off and taking a break.
Overall, my experience has allowed me to feel less overwhelmed by my son’s condition. I have accepted that it is chronic and something he may live with his whole life. For parents who feel that it may be insurmountable, know it is possible to support your child, navigate flares, and help them manage life with eczema.”
On behalf of ESC, we thank each and every person who shares their stories as a way to build community, give support, and make others feel better and more confident in their skin. Want to share your story? Email us at info@eczemahelp.ca today.
