Fourth grade brought more confidence, more participation, and more good days. His eczema was still there, but we learned to take advantage of the moments when he felt well enough to simply enjoy being a kid.

By second grade, eczema affected nearly every part of my son's life—sleep, school, swimming, friendships, and even the foods he loved. As infections became more frequent and daily routines grew more complicated, I watched him face challenge after challenge with a bravery he didn't yet recognize in himself.

A trip to the pediatrician told us that the rash that wouldn’t go away was eczema—also called atopic dermatitis. He said it was common. That many children have it and often outgrow it by the time they are six or seven. Nothing to worry about.