“My Skin My Story” Provides Creative Outlet for Young Patients With Eczema

John Browning, MD, FAAD, FAAP, MBA | Image credit: Texas Dermatology and Laser Specialists

Dermavant and Baobabooks recently launched a new online platform that gives young patients with eczema and other skin conditions the ability to share their story in a creative medium. “My Skin My Story” is a free online platform for children to write, draw, and publish personal stories about their skin conditions to connect with other children who may be experiencing similar conditions.

“One of the challenges with younger patients is a lot of times they don't open up in clinic. They get shy. Many of them have a fear of going to a doctor's office because they associate that with vaccines or other injections... What this platform does is it really allows them to speak for themselves through their words on paper or their drawings, and I think that that's a really valuable thing,” said John Browning, MD, FAAD, FAAP, MBA, board-certified pediatric dermatologist at Texas Dermatology and Laser Specialists, adjunct associate professor at UT Health San Antonio, assistant professor at Baylor College of Medicine, and clinical faculty at UIW School of Medicine, in an interview with Dermatology Times.

As a pediatric dermatologist and a parent of children with eczema, Browning shared his unique experience of both treating pediatric eczema and advocating for his children.

“I think one of the biggest frustrations, both as a pediatric dermatologist and a parent as well, is that we really don't have a way to actually cure eczema. We have treatments that can help improve symptoms. We have treatments that can improve a flare, but we don't have a way to erase it and make it go away forever. That's a hope and that's a dream that one day we will have treatments that can allow for long periods of remission or even no further treatment at all,” said Browning.

Browning encourages his fellow dermatology colleagues to learn more about “My Skin My Story” so that they can tell their patients and patients’ families about the empowering platform.

Excerpt From Dr Browning’s Son, Caleb, on “My Skin My Story”

My Story: Having Eczema and Sensitive Skin Throughout My Youth

Growing up with eczema was a daily struggle that shaped much of my youth. Each morning, I would wake up with a face so dry it felt like a mask, cracking and peeling with the slightest movement. This dryness was not just a discomfort; it was a constant reminder that my skin was different, more fragile than that of my peers.

The need for constant moisturizing became a never-ending cycle. Multiple times a day, I applied thick layers of cream, hoping to soothe the persistent itch and prevent the inevitable flares. This routine was necessary but cumbersome, often leaving my skin greasy and causing discomfort when touching everyday objects or trying to write in school.

Playing sports, which should have been an exciting and fun experience, was particularly challenging. The heat and sweat acted like irritants, making my skin flare up painfully. I remember the frustration of feeling the sting of sweat on open eczema patches, the heat exacerbating the itchiness and turning simple activities into ordeals. Tennis matches and baseball games under the blazing sun were almost unbearable, as the combination of physical exertion, heat, and perspiration left my skin inflamed and my body exhausted.

Social interactions also bore the brunt of my condition. The visible redness and flaky skin drew unwanted attention and questions from classmates, leading to self-consciousness and a reluctance to participate fully in activities.

Despite these challenges, living with eczema taught me resilience and self-care. It forced me to develop a strong sense of discipline and awareness of my body's needs. While the physical discomfort was a constant companion, it also fostered an inner strength that has carried me through many other challenges in life. Although it was difficult, it was wonderful to have a dad who happened to be a dermatologist who could attend to my challenges with Eczema and provide me with medication and lotion that worked much better than the standard over-the-counter pharmaceuticals. In the end, my experience with eczema, though difficult, has ultimately made me more empathetic and tenacious.

[Excerpt provided by Dermavant]