SOS for Kids with Eczema – Our Stories

Behind every statistic is a child, a family, and a story that deserves to be seen and heard.

This page brings together the real voices of our SOS for Kids with Eczema campaign – photos, videos and short stories shared by families across Australia. This is more than a collection of stories – it is a powerful call for change.

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Eczema Support Australia Sos Campaign Web Portrait

Real stories from families across Australia living with severe eczema

Our SOS for Kids with Eczema

This short video brings together the voices, faces and realities behind our SOS for Kids with Eczema campaign.

We have more stories to share…..

Charlotte's Story

Charlotte is 8 years old and has lived with eczema since she was a baby. What began as a rash in her first days of life has progressed into a severe condition that affects her sleep, her comfort and her whole family’s wellbeing.

Her parents describe the heartbreak of hearing her scratch through the night and needing to physically stop her to prevent further harm. After waiting two years for access to more effective treatment, Charlotte’s condition worsened significantly before finally improving.

Now, with the right treatment, her family describes a sense of relief and a life-changing difference — but their story highlights the impact of delayed access and why children with severe eczema need timely care.

Harry's Story

Harry has lived with severe eczema from a young age, with symptoms that go far beyond the surface of the skin. His condition has meant constant itching, pain, and disrupted sleep, affecting his ability to concentrate at school and take part in everyday activities.

Like many families, Harry’s have tried multiple treatments in search of relief, while managing the ongoing physical and emotional impact of severe eczema. The condition has not only affected Harry, but has placed a significant strain on his whole family.

Harry’s story highlights the reality of living with severe eczema and the importance of timely access to effective treatment — so children like Harry can focus on growing, learning, and simply being kids.

Hallie's Story

Hallie is six years old and has lived with eczema since infancy, but over the past two years her condition has become severe and overwhelming. Her eczema now covers her entire body, causing constant pain, broken sleep and daily challenges at school and in activities she loves.

She has experienced repeated infections, hospital visits and the emotional toll of living in uncomfortable, damaged skin — impacting not just Hallie, but her whole family.

After exhausting all available options, her family turned to a new treatment and are now waiting to begin. Hallie’s story highlights the urgent need for children with severe eczema to access effective treatment sooner — because no child should have to reach this point.

Jesse's Story

Jesse has lived with severe eczema from a young age, experiencing constant itching, discomfort, and disrupted sleep. His condition has affected many aspects of his daily life, including school, activities, and his overall wellbeing.

Like many families, Jesse’s family has navigated a long and often exhausting journey of trying different treatments while managing the ongoing impact of severe eczema. The condition has placed a strain not only on Jesse, but on his whole family.

Jesse’s story highlights the challenges of living with severe eczema and the importance of ensuring children can access effective treatment — so they have the opportunity to live more comfortably and fully enjoy childhood.

Ruby's Story

Ruby was diagnosed with severe eczema at just three years old, with symptoms covering her entire body. Her early years were marked by intense itching, pain, sleepless nights and frequent infections, deeply impacting her confidence and daily life.

As her condition worsened, Ruby began to withdraw – missing school, avoiding social situations and struggling emotionally. After trying multiple treatments without success, she was hospitalised with a serious infection before finally gaining access to a new treatment.

Since then, Ruby’s life has transformed. She is now sleeping well, attending school, enjoying activities like gymnastics and rebuilding her confidence – showing what is possible when children can access effective care.

Tanner's Story

Tanner was diagnosed with severe eczema at just six months old. What his family were told he might “grow out of” quickly became a condition that took over daily life. Despite trying many treatments and providing constant care, his eczema remained severe, with ongoing flare-ups that were difficult to control.

His condition led to repeated infections and significant time away from school. Simple parts of childhood became challenging — even playing rugby league, something he loved, required extra layers to protect his skin, and flare-ups often meant missed games and hospital visits.

At the age of seven, Tanner was able to access a new treatment. For the first time in years, his skin began to heal, the constant itching eased and he was able to sleep, focus at school and return to the activities he enjoys.

Tanner’s story shows how access to effective treatment can change a child’s life — giving them the chance to simply be a kid again.

Tanner Able To Enjoy Footy Again After Treatment 3

Lylah's Story

Lylah is three years old and has lived with severe eczema since she was four months old. Her eczema covers most of her body, and without constant bandaging she scratches until her skin breaks and bleeds. Her family has tried many treatments, but nothing has brought lasting relief.

Her condition affects every part of life — from repeated infections, pain, and severe sleep disruption to medical anxiety and the emotional toll on her whole family. One treatment that could help is dupilumab, but without PBS funding for younger children, the cost is far beyond what her family can afford.

Lylah’s story is a powerful reminder that severe eczema is not “just a rash”. Children with severe eczema need timely, affordable access to effective treatment.

Featured in: The Courier, 9 April 2026.

Lylah In Hospital With Severe Eczema 1

Olivia's Story

Olivia is 10 years old and has lived with severe eczema since she was just four months old. Her condition caused constant itching, pain and frequent infections, making it difficult for her to attend school, play or even leave the house. The impact extended across every part of family life — from social isolation to financial strain and emotional stress.

After years of severe symptoms, Olivia was granted access to a new treatment through a hospital program. The change was immediate and life-changing — within days, the itching stopped, and she was finally able to sleep, attend school and enjoy activities like swimming and gymnastics.

Olivia’s story shows what is possible when children can access effective treatment — and why all children with severe eczema deserve the same opportunity for a normal childhood.

Featured in: Bundaberg Today, 10 April 2026.

Olivia Finally Able To Enjoy The Beach

Ally's Story

Ally is 6 years old and was diagnosed with severe eczema as a baby. Over time, her condition has worsened to the point where it now covers her entire body. She has never slept through the night, waking constantly to scratch until her skin bleeds.

Her eczema affects every part of daily life. Ally frequently misses school due to flare-ups and struggles to take part in activities like sport or dancing. Even sitting comfortably in class can be difficult. Despite this, she finds moments of joy riding her motorbike — a brief escape from the routine of treatments and constant care.

After trying many treatments without lasting success, Ally’s family say they are at breaking point. They are hoping for access to a new treatment, but living in a rural area makes this more challenging. Ally’s story highlights the urgent need for children with severe eczema to access effective treatment — so they can experience a normal childhood.

Ally With Sore Eyes From Severe Eczema

Help us Share Our Stories to Save Our Kids' Skin

Together we can ensure Australian children with severe eczema are no longer left behind from affordable access to effective treatment.