Latest Itsan press release: Jack's Story

Seven months ago, Jack needed to be hospitalized for his “incurable” eczema. Jack was plagued by eczema over his entire body, with a strong concentration on his thighs, buttocks, and face. Over the course of three years, Jack was treated with the strongest topical steroid cream, Kenalog injections (a type of injection containing corticosteroids), and prednisone (oral corticosteroids). Even with intense treatment, the eczema would not clear up.

His skin is now healing thanks to expert dermatologist Dr. Marvin Rapaport and the support of the International Topical Steroid Addiction Network.

When Jack was hospitalized, the doctors were very concerned about Jack’s health but doubtful about the possibility of being addicted to topical steroids. Despite this, they respected the wishes of Jack’s mother (Jill) and did not give Jack any steroids.

“I think they started changing their way of thinking when all the tests they ran came back just like Dr. Rapaport told them they would, as well as everything else he told them would happen and not happen came true as well,” Jill said. “We had many doctors and nurses join them on their rounds each day asking more and more questions and reading the articles I brought. Hopefully a seed has been planted to start looking at other options rather than just prescribing steroids as their first line of defense for eczema.”

Jill’s pediatrician was also skeptical the first time she brought in Dr. Rapaport’s articles about topical steroid addiction.
“She agreed to read them with an open mind. She had said for years that she always feels like we missed something with him because his eczema just got worse and worse. After she read the articles, she became more and more interested. She spoke with Dr. Rapaport and has worked with us and him throughout this whole process and has been so supportive,” said Jill.

After seven months of withdrawing from steroid medication, Jack now has healthy, clear skin.

“The eczema cleared up. For the first time in his life he is starting to show confidence in himself like I’ve never seen before,” said Jill. “Probably one of the most amazing things is that for the past four weeks that he has been back in school, he has worn shorts and a short sleeve shirt every single day! Jack hasn’t worn anything except jeans and a zipped-up hooded jacket, even in the 95°+ degree heat, for the past 3+ years.”

Jack’s pediatrician says his experience has already changed the way she is treating children with eczema and she uses Jack’s story as an example. “She has been amazed at what Jack’s body has gone through,” said Jill.

Jack is proud of his accomplishment and that he has been able to help others through his suffering. “My story has helped save other little kids already,” Jack told his mother.

Slowly (but surely) the word is getting out about topical steroid use and eczema. “Jack still has some bad spots and still has some flares here and there. All I know is although we still have a way to go, his skin now looks the best that it has in over four years.”

About The International Topical Steroid Addiction Network

ITSAN was officially Co-Founded by Dermatologist Dr. Marvin Rapaport, full professor at UCLA Medical Center and the nations leading expert on the subject. Kelly Palace, Co-Founder and president, was one of the 2,000 patients that Dr. Rapaport treated and cured. An online community of over 100 patients with this condition also contributed ideas, money and inspiration to start ITSAN. For more information please visit http://itsan.org