Author of "Ricky Overcomes Fear" Talks About His Eczema

The Editorial Team at AtopicDermatitis.net is highlighting people in the eczema community and their journeys with atopic dermatitis. We recently had the opportunity to interview Ri'Quan Cannon, author of the children's book, "Ricky Overcomes Fear."

What is "Ricky Overcomes Fear" about?

"Ricky Overcomes Fear" tells the story of Ri'Quan's experience with bullying and severe atopic dermatitis, or eczema. Ricky loves sports, especially basketball, and with tryouts coming up, Ricky begins to feel anxious. He has a fear of wearing shorts because kids always tease him about his skin. The book follows Ricky as he overcomes his fear and follows his love of basketball.

Ri'Quan's atopic dermatitis story

Editorial Team: Tell us about your story with atopic dermatitis.

Ri'Quan:My name is Ri’Quan Cannon. I am now 15 years old and I was born with atopic dermatitis (eczema) and asthma. Living these conditions is a headache! My condition causes me to miss a lot of school due to me having to go to dermatologist appointments several times a week. I take multiple oral medications and skin creams daily to soothe my itching and to keep my skin moisturized. I have to bathe in certain bath soaps and my clothes have to be washed in certain detergents. I can’t wear cologne or anything with fragrance because it irritates my skin and flares my allergies.

Eczema and bullying

Editorial Team: Tell us about your experience with bullying at school or elsewhere related to atopic dermatitis.

Ri'Quan: My experience with bullying from my atopic dermatitis has been going on for the last 5 years of my life, as my condition has become worse. I get sooo many children and adults whispering amongst each other about my skin, commenting about how I’m so dark, or asking why I continuously scratch because of my eczema. I also get people that are afraid to touch me or get close to me because they think they might catch it (eczema is not contagious)!!

Sharing about atopic dermatitis

Editorial Team: What led you to share your experience with atopic dermatitis?

Ri'Quan: I shared my experience about dealing with atopic dermatitis because I have kept my feelings to myself for so long and I was starting to feel depressed/unwanted. I knew that I wasn’t alone and there is someone that is going through this same skin condition as me.

Editorial Team: Has sharing your story impacted your life with atopic dermatitis?

Ri'Quan:Sharing my story has had a major impact on my life and living with atopic dermatitis. Now it seems like more people understand my condition now and are not as afraid to touch me or the things I come in contact with!!

For those feeling afraid or alone

Editorial Team: What advice do you have for someone who might feel afraid or alone because of their skin?

Ri'Quan: The advice I have for someone who might feel afraid or alone because of their skin is: We were ALL created differently. No one is born perfect. Find out who you are, OVERCOME FEAR and live your truth!!