TYLER Saunders lifts up his shirt to reveal his smooth skin and says “look mum, no itchies,” as he smiles and giggles excitedly.
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It has been a long and painful road for the six-year-old from Wallabi Point, who has suffered from debilitating eczema since he was born.
Now, after years of suffering, his life (and that of his family) has changed dramatically thanks to a treatment regimen his parents Debbie and Andy discovered last year.
Not only that, but his story is being shared internationally, with millions of people learning about Tyler’s journey via media websites, blogs, social media and on television (including Today Tonight and Sunrise).
“It has also reached the news papers in Denmark,” said Debbie.
“A lovely lady I don't know shared the link to my Facebook Messenger.”
The treatment, known as The Aron Regimen, is a cream consisting of three components in one application, which is prescribed by South African dermatologist Dr Richard Aron.
“He has 40 years of experience treating eczema and recently began treating people from all over the world via the internet,” said Debbie.
“We sent in photos of Tyler's eczema and a detailed history and Dr Aron wrote us a script with instructions.
“The cream is compounded in our local pharmacy and is prescribed specifically for Tyler's height, weight, age and the severity of his eczema.
“Even the frequency of application is tailored to meet his exact requirements and as his skin improved we were able to taper off and apply it less frequently.
“We began with four applications per day and are now on maintenance therapy with two applications per day.
“The next step we hope for is spot treating in tough spots like knees and ankles.
“After that we hope he will reach remission. Lots of Dr Aron's patients are in remission. No creams necessary but you can treat if it flares again.”
Dr Aron also provides dietary advice, advice for clothing, sport, exercise, bathing and sun protection to create a holistic treatment structure.
Debbie created a four minute video of Tyler’s story and shared it to a closed group on Facebook for patients who are on the same treatment as him.
The video, created by Debbie Saunders, about her son Tyler's story which has gone viral online.
It struck a chord, and a member of the group asked if she could share it publicly, which Debbie agreed to.
“It went crazy.
“I never imagined millions of people would potentially see it.
“So many people are suffering from eczema and searching for answers and relief and being let down by conventional treatment so it shouldn't surprise me at all this has gone viral.”
Debbie said Dr Aron has had an enormous influx of people seeking his treatment after watching Tyler’s video.
She is also being contacted by people around the world who relate to the story or want more details about the regimen.
“What would be an absolutely wonderful outcome would be if many more dermatologists began to treat eczema in the same way. The results speak for themselves.”
After years of searching for answers, the treatment has offer relief, and many reasons to smile.
“Tyler is so happy,” said Debbie.
“Swimming is one thing he couldn't do that he now can. He loves that.
“He is a really strong little boy. He has been through so much for someone so young - wet dressings and painful bathing, stinging, constant non-stop scratching, bleeding and screaming were normal for him for way to long.
“Even to get well he has stood through hundreds of applications of creams and it's made him resilient and tough.
“He is absolutely amazing.”