On September 15th 2005 our lives changed forever. The doctor assumed Brennan scraped on my pelvic bone during birth because he had one spot on his back and a small spot on his toe that was missing some skin. After a few hours we all were in shock because he looked like a burn victim. Friction from the clean-up after birth, and being swaddled like all newborns normally are, made his skin rip and blister all over. Brennan was diagnosed with bullous congenital ichthyosiform erythroderma (BCIE). We had never heard of ichthyosis before. Now it’s a common term in our household. I can't imagine our life without it, but would love to get the chance to. We pray for a cure everyday! Brennan is a trooper! He loves to play sports with his big brother Jackson and hates when it’s time for his tub soaks. He deals well at times but sometimes he says things like "I wish my skin would go away."

Having FIRST in our lives has helped a lot with education and how to deal with ichthyosis. I have used the booklets put together by FIRST to hand out to teachers, neighbors, and people who may have never heard of ichthyosis. We have a lot of support through FIRST and our small community and are very grateful for that. We will continue to raise money for a cure!
Denise (Brennan’s mother)
Shelby, Ohio

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This information is provided as a service to patients and parents of patients who have ichthyosis.  It is not intended to supplement appropriate medical care, but instead to complement that care with guidance in practical issues facing patients and parents.  Neither FIRST, its Board of Directors, Medical & Scientific Advisory Board, Board of Medical Editors, nor Foundation staff and officials endorse any treatments or products reported here.  All issues pertaining to the care of patients with ichthyosis should be discussed with a dermatologist experienced in the treatment of their skin disorder.