Concerns for the Future

Harry is an almost 3-year-old who suffers with severe atopic dermatitis. I have been told by both his dermatologists that since his skin hasn’t had one single break for over 2.5 years, then his flare-ups and immune system will most likely be worse when he gets older. Which to me is hard to believe, as it is bad now.

Suffering with atopic dermatitis is hard and painful for him now. I can only imagine what he will be like if it’s worse. He already has to have wet dressings and ointment applied on a regular basis. But we need to help him now!

Do we need to isolate him?

So this means we have to put him in home isolatation again. Harry doesn’t flare up as much in our new home as he isn’t exposed to ‘trigger points’ that cause him to flare. We recently had to move, as the location of our previous home was a trigger point.

What preschool will he go to?

Another thing we need to think about to help his skin get a break is which preschool Harry will go to. We have to find a preschool in a newer building with no carpeting. Harry’s dermatologist told us that he is more concerned about the preschool since his skin is most sensitive between the ages of 2 and 4 (which he is at now).

Will his eczema worsen in adulthood?

So if we help him now and before going to school, it could get better. My husband and I have a big fear of this impacting his adulthood. We want him to have as normal of a life as he can, knowing that if we ‘fix’ him now, that puts a lot of pressure on us. It’s hard trying to get my head around what this means.

How will it impact his career?

It worries me that he may not be able to have a certain career when he’s older. Harry’s dermatologist has said that Harry won’t be able to basically do anything with his hands, such as a mechanic, chef, hairdresser, veterinarian (animals), wear gloves, be surrounded by carpet (which is in most buildings), and the list goes on. If you think about it, he will be very limited in what he can do. I honestly feel very sorry for him.

Will what we're doing for his skin be enough?

We are trying to do everything right now so his future can be better. But I fear not being able to help enough or control Harry’s skin. It is so unpredictable and fragile. The slightest thing can set it off and it can take a long time to settle it back down. Any change in his skin scares me, as whenever there is a change, that means a flare is about to happen. And it always gets worse before it gets better.

Making decisions that could impact his future is so hard. How do we know which one is right or best? I wish there was a manual that tells me exactly what Harry’s skin needs.