A 55-year-old man from Prestwick, Ayrshire, has been living with a rare and painful condition that causes his skin to peel off in large chunks. He has been diagnosed with exfoliative dermatitis, a severe form of eczema that affects the entire body.
The agony of losing his skin
David McCallum has been suffering from exfoliative dermatitis for over two years, and has been unable to work or lead a normal life. He says he feels like he is “burning from the inside out” and has to take strong painkillers to cope with the agony. He also has to apply moisturizer and steroid cream several times a day to prevent his skin from cracking and bleeding.
David says he first noticed something was wrong when he developed a rash on his chest and back in 2021. He thought it was an allergic reaction, but it soon spread to his face, arms, and legs. He went to see his GP, who referred him to a dermatologist at Crosshouse Hospital in Kilmarnock. There, he was diagnosed with exfoliative dermatitis, a condition that affects only one in 100,000 people.
Exfoliative dermatitis is a rare and serious condition that causes the skin to become red, inflamed, and scaly. It can be triggered by various factors, such as infections, medications, or autoimmune disorders. It can also be a complication of other skin conditions, such as psoriasis or eczema. The exact cause of David’s condition is unknown, but he believes it may be related to his diabetes and high blood pressure.
The impact on his life and family
David says his condition has taken a toll on his physical and mental health, as well as his family and social life. He has been unable to work as a taxi driver since he developed the condition, and relies on benefits to support himself. He says he feels depressed and isolated, and has lost his confidence and self-esteem.
He says he is grateful for the support of his wife, Linda, who helps him with his daily care and chores. He also has two sons, Craig and Ryan, who live nearby and visit him regularly. However, he says he misses being able to hug them or play with his grandchildren, as his skin is too sensitive and fragile.
He says he also struggles to go out in public, as he feels embarrassed and ashamed of his appearance. He says he often gets stared at or avoided by strangers, who think he is contagious or unclean. He says he wishes people would be more understanding and compassionate, and not judge him by his looks.
The hope for a cure
David says he has tried various treatments for his condition, but none of them have worked. He has been prescribed different medications, such as antibiotics, antihistamines, and immunosuppressants, but they have only caused him side effects, such as nausea, drowsiness, and weight gain. He has also undergone phototherapy, a treatment that uses ultraviolet light to reduce inflammation and itching, but it has not improved his condition.
He says he is now waiting for a referral to a specialist clinic in Glasgow, where he hopes to get access to a new treatment called dupilumab. Dupilumab is a biologic drug that targets a specific protein in the immune system that causes inflammation. It has been approved by the NHS for treating severe eczema, and has shown promising results in clinical trials.
David says he is hopeful that dupilumab will be the answer to his prayers, and that it will help him regain his quality of life. He says he dreams of being able to do simple things, such as taking a shower, wearing clothes, or sleeping without pain. He says he also wants to be able to work again, and to enjoy life with his family and friends.
He says he is determined to fight his condition, and to raise awareness about it. He says he wants to share his story with others, and to inspire them to never give up hope.
