### Managing Atopic Dermatitis in Children: A Mother's Journey Brittney Roche, a mother of two boys, shares her journey of managing atopic dermatitis, a common type of eczema, in her sons Payton and Nixon. Both boys were diagnosed with eczema when they were still in diapers, but their experiences have been quite different. **Payton's Struggle:** Payton was diagnosed with eczema at 4 months old, and his condition became severe as he grew older. His eczema covered almost his entire body, causing significant discomfort and emotional stress. Brittney and her husband tried various treatments, including lifestyle changes and topical medications, but nothing seemed to work. Payton's condition affected his daily life, preventing him from participating in normal childhood activities like sleepovers and swimming. The emotional toll was also significant, leading to anxiety and depression. **A Turning Point:** The family attended a National Eczema Association expo, where they learned about a clinical trial for a new treatment. Although it was a gamble, they decided to participate. The treatment showed promising results, significantly improving Payton's skin condition. Today, Payton's eczema is much more manageable, allowing him to enjoy a better quality of life. **Nixon's Journey:** Nixon also showed signs of eczema as a baby, but his condition has been less severe. Early intervention with a clinical trial for a topical nonsteroidal medication helped manage his symptoms. Although the initial treatment stopped working, a new regimen has been effective, allowing Nixon to use medication only as needed. **Hope for the Future:** Brittney hopes that her sons' eczema will remain manageable and that they will continue to enjoy a good quality of life. She emphasizes the emotional and financial challenges of managing eczema but remains optimistic about the future. **Conclusion:** Brittney's story highlights the challenges and triumphs of managing atopic dermatitis in children. Through perseverance and seeking new treatments, her family has found ways to improve their sons' quality of life. ###