Change . . .

Okay, so after doing more research and talking to people, it looks like Davy does not have eczema. Good news or bad news? Kind of both.

It looks like he has plaque psoriasis. This is psoriasis that covers large areas of skin, sometimes in ovals, or in amoebic forms. The skin is red, raised, and developes shiny thick scales over it. When the scales peel off, there is red skin underneath with bright red streaks and sometimes drops of blood. There also often is a "halo" effect around the area of crusty skin that is discolored. (Joanne saw this in one picture and thought it meant infection. It does not, that is just part of this condition.)

In some ways this is good news. This is why he has not responded as well to the treatment. We were doing what is recommended for eczema, such as cortisone, limited bathing, no sun, covering with cotton clothes, etc. Psoriasis, though it is dry skin, it isn't really that, it is an over production of skin cells that build up and have to fall off, leaving the underneath skin trapped and irritate. Psoriasis needs sunlight, not being overheated under clothes, gentle baths with oatmeal, oils or coal tar (Yuck), and very limited cortisone. Psoriasis can actually act up when treated with any anti-inflamatories like ibuprofen or cortisone cream.

Like eczema, it is also connected to liver problems, possible food allergy indications and intestinal issues. There is a supplement we can give him though, which is safe for babies and children, which should help. That is good. There are almost no prescription treatments, and the condition is usually chronic. All we can do is treat the symptoms, try to prevent flare ups, and be aware of changing medicine as he grows.

I feel relieved that I am not a failure because what we have tried hasn't been completely successful. However, I also feel for him, because of the challenges he faces and the fact that there is no cure, and very little treatment options that aren't very harsh. We will make it though. He is a tough little guy, and smiles though almost everything.

Pray for us that as he grows, we will continue to use Godly wisdom in how to treat him, and that this is only a passing thing in his life, and that it will not be chronic.


On a positive note, we have finally gotten around to scheduling his baby dedication for this Sunday at church. We have asked some friends to be there with us, since our blood family is far away.