When rashes first appeared on my baby, I went online to search for images of "Baby Eczema". I remember scrolling desperately through hundreds of images and wondering if my baby had the same skin condition.
[Please be aware that I share these images not to diagnose your child. If you think that your baby may have Eczema, please consult a trusted medical professional (with photos that document their skin abnormalities) to get a proper consultation and diagnosis.]
The only time I've seen my daughter with perfect skin was when she came out of me. After the nurses took her away for her first bath, she was returned to me with visible red bumps on her body (we later learnt that she was allergic to artificial fragrances).
By two months old, the folds of her neck started to turn red, raw and oozed smelly, yellow liquid despite our best efforts at washing and drying her.
The next areas to turn red and raw were the folds on the back of her legs. At that point, she was not able to scratch herself yet.
When rings started to appear across her limbs, I thought it was a fungal infection. A visit to her Paediatrician confirmed that she had Eczema and that the rings were a type of Eczema rash.
That was the start of the hardest part of our Eczema journey. The rash across her face was painful for everyone to witness. It was also the age that she started to scratch. And scratch, she did. All day and all night long.
The scratching and rubbing to soothe her itch resulted in wounds and blood all across her face and body. That was when I started making Protective Sleeves for her to help reduce the damage on her skin.
Eventually, it took months of careful investigation, documenting and experimenting to figure out her Eczema triggers and allergies. Although we are still not free from itch, we have since learnt to live a fulfilling life while managing her condition.
To learn tips on how we live this Eczema life, follow us on Instagram where I share how my family copes with the condition and how we continually try to help her be healthier and happier.
With love and empathy,
Qiao Qing
Chief Warrior (Little Warriors)
