Peach and Lichen sclerosus

 Peach is our #3 Great Grandchild, her parents are Maddie and Brenton.

Last Winter Maddie said "Grandma look at Peach's bottom, the skin is turning white."  We talked about what it could be...maybe vitiligo.   Peach has Eczema and has been using a special soap for several years.  Maddie scheduled an appointment with the Dermatologist in March.   The skin on her bottom was white and in an hour glass shape that encompassed her entire bottom....think bikini like. 

The Dermatology appointment in March was cancelled because of a snowstorm and rescheduled for mid May.  On May Day Maddie said "Now Peach has a sore on her vulva."  Indeed she did...we were all feeling really uneasy now. 

Finally the day came in May and not with good news.  Peach has Lichen sclerosus and possible Vulvar Cancer. We were all shocked and scared. 

Lichen sclerosus is a skin condition with thin white wrinkled patches of skin that causes itching, pain and burning.  The skin tears easily and can have blisters or sores. Ongoing inflammation can break down the skin.  If untreated it can become skin cancer.   It is thought to be genetic and or autoimmune....like having an overactive immune system.

Treatment:  Special creams that are applied twice a day.  It is a lifelong treatment. Maddie says there are two types of creams and she keeps track of which cream is used on each day.

Peach was three years old on her birthday...she loves The Lion King and I was lucky enough to find an outfit for her. 

Maddie, Brenton, Peach and Jen went to the Mayo Clinic on July 7.  The Doctors there confirmed the diagnosis of Lichen sclerosus.  The special cream was doing a really good job and the blister that I saw on May 1st was almost gone so no biopsy was needed.  We all breathed a sigh of relief that there is no Vulvar Cancer. 

Peach enjoying the pool.

I asked Maddie's permission to write about Peach and she agreed that it is important to share with others.  I asked Maddie if she wanted to write something and she did. 

Maddie wrote:

 To the parents of children with lichen sclerosus:

I know there are days when your heart breaks because you can’t take away your child’s pain. You question if you’re doing enough, research late into the night, and carry worries no one else can see. But never underestimate the power of your love. Every hug, every doctor’s appointment, every tear you’ve wiped away, and every moment you’ve spent advocating for your child is shaping a future where they know they are deeply loved, never alone, and stronger than this diagnosis. Lichen sclerosus is part of their journey, but it will never define their worth or limit the beautiful life ahead of them. Keep believing, keep fighting, and keep hoping—because your child couldn’t ask for a stronger advocate than you.

Keep your faith, trust in God, and trust in your instincts.

Maddie and Peach

 We love our Great Grandchildren so very much.  It is difficult to see them struggle with health issues especially when they are just three years old. 

But they keep smiling! 

Far Side