Charlotte's story
2020 was a tough year for everyone, but it was even harder for Charlotte, whose eczema was progressively getting worse.
Charlotte was wrapped up in bandages at school, hated getting dressed for PE and said one day that another child told her they didn’t want to be friends with her because she was too itchy. Children with health conditions have incredible resilience but things were getting to us all as a family. Charlotte would scream in the bath; her bedding had to be changed daily; and dead skin and blood stained her clothes. Her skin looked burnt on 70% of her body.
One day, after helping Charlotte get dressed, she cried "I want to be like you, Daddy and Olivia. I want to have new skin!" That was the turning point.
I contacted every doctor Charlotte was under. Fortunately, we found a specialist and paid to see them, praying that someone could help. This doctor knew who we needed to see: Professor Cork and the Sheffield Children’s Hospital Dermatology Team. We started the Dupilumab drug in late February 2021.
After the first injection, Charlotte’s skin started to improve. Charlotte has stopped covering herself with cardigans and tights and can’t wait to go swimming again. She has a newfound confidence.
We are eternally grateful to the entire Sheffield Children’s Hospital Dermatology Team for the opportunity for Charlotte to take Dupilumab. We hope others like Charlotte will have this opportunity too.