Eczema, an often misunderstood and debilitating skin condition, has been a silent struggle for many families, especially those with young children. Today, we delve into the story of Tanner Hosie, a resilient 10-year-old from Narrandera, whose battle with severe eczema highlights a larger issue: the accessibility of life-changing medication.
A Child's Battle with Eczema
Tanner's journey began at just six months old when he was diagnosed with eczema. His mother, Kasey-Rae, recalls the heart-wrenching experience of seeing her active little boy in constant pain, his skin raw and irritated. The typical treatments, from steroid creams to bleach baths, offered little relief.
Eczema, an immune dysregulation disease, causes more than just physical discomfort. The red, scaly lesions can be painful, bleed, and become infected. For Tanner, it meant missing out on the simple joys of childhood—playing with friends, kicking the footy, and enjoying the outdoors.
A Life-Changing Medication
Two years ago, Tanner's dermatologist suggested a game-changer: Dupilumab. This medication, administered via injections, improved Tanner's condition within weeks. Finally, he could enjoy the activities he loved without the constant itch and pain.
However, the joy of this medication is marred by its cost. For children under 12, the medication can cost families up to $1,600 a month, a financial burden that is simply inaccessible to many.
The Financial Barrier
Tanner's story becomes even more poignant when we consider his family's circumstances. At eight years old, Tanner lost his father, leaving Kasey-Rae as the sole provider for her four children. Due to her financial situation, she was able to access the medication through compassionate funding, but this comes with its own anxiety—the fear of eligibility reviews and potential changes in policy.
A Broader Impact
Eczema is not an isolated issue. It affects roughly 10% of the population, or 2.8 million Australians. Li-Chuen Wong, a paediatric dermatologist, emphasizes the long-term impact of severe eczema, which can lead to comorbidities such as asthma, allergies, and mental health issues.
Dr. Wong believes that early intervention with medications like Dupilumab can modify the disease's course, especially in young children. Yet, the medication is not approved on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for children under 12, leaving families like Tanner's in a difficult position.
Advocacy for Change
Kasey-Rae is not alone in her fight. Eczema Support Australia has launched a campaign, SOS for kids with Eczema, advocating for lower age limits for PBS funding. The organization's managing director, Melanie Funk, highlights the desperate measures some families are considering, from crowdfunding to remortgaging their homes, in an attempt to access this medication.
A Call for Action
Tanner's story is a powerful reminder of the impact of eczema and the potential of life-changing medications. While Dupilumab has been recommended for severe atopic dermatitis in patients under 12 by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee, the process for approval is ongoing.
In my opinion, it is crucial that we prioritize the well-being of our children and ensure that medications like Dupilumab are accessible to those who need them. It's time to take a stand and advocate for change, so that children like Tanner can have the childhood they deserve, free from the constraints of a debilitating skin condition.
