I am sharing my daughter, Marinette Husselmann’s, story to shed light on the struggles children face with Atopic Dermatitis. From the very first month of her life, Marinette’s skin became a battlefield. What began as small red patches quickly escalated into relentless flare-ups that dictated every aspect of her childhood.

We sought help from countless doctors, tried every cream and mixture available — rooibos creams, tea baths, Epimax, Epiderm, Aqueous cream, Vaseline Atopic Control, Eucerin, rooibos soaps, baby bum creams, and pharmacy eczema blends. Instead of relief, these treatments worsened her condition. Bath time became traumatic, bedding had to be washed daily, and Marinette scratched herself until her skin bled. This was not just a skin condition; it was a daily struggle that robbed her of comfort.

Her education and social life suffered. Athletics and sports, activities which were meant to bring joy and build her confidence, became impossible. Each year, we had to sit down with her teachers to explain why Marinette could not participate fully, why her condition was more than “just eczema.”

This year, her condition reached a devastating peak. Her entire body- legs, arms, face, scalp, back, and stomach was covered in itchy red dots. We changed soaps, laundry liquids, and diets, only to discover she was allergic to most creams. Finally, in May 2026, at Tygerberg Hospital, we received the diagnosis: Atopic Dermatitis. The Dermatologist explained that external treatments alone would never be enough. Marinette needed internal treatment.

She began methotrexate once a week, supported by folic acid, daily moisturizers, and weekly bleach baths. We are seeing improvement, and her skin has calmed slightly, yet the journey ahead remains uncertain. We are still unsure about the path forward, and she will remain on methotrexate for a year.

Sadly, Marinette’s story is not unique. Thousands of children suffer from eczema in silence, their struggles minimized because the condition is not seen as life-threatening. But for children like Marinette, it is life-changing. It affects her health, education, social life, and most importantly, her emotional well-being.
Let us shine a light on eczema, but also celebrate the resilience of children who face it every day. With greater understanding and stronger support, we can turn stories of struggle into stories of hope, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive.