We have answers!

Micah had an outrageous skin outbreak about two months ago.  My gut had been telling me that it had to be more than just eczema.  Granted, his eczema has always been worse than most cases but this was just different.  Skin really red, like a sun burn.  Extremely itchy.  Then peeling...scratching and dead skin falling everywhere.  Patches of red rash and areas of skin not affected...almost a lacy pattern.  He had broken out like this in the past and we were always told it was just eczema.  I was not willing to accept that answer any longer.

This picture is from a stock photo I found on the internet but this is what he looked like.  Does that look like eczema to you?

The dermatologist made a decision to do a skin biopsy.  He wanted to rule out two diseases - PRP (Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris) and Job's Disease (yes, like Job in the Bible).  It would take a week to get the results.

I did what every other human being with the internet does while waiting for results.  I Googled and self-diagnosed.  I also dug into the Word - the Book of Job specifically.
Job 7:4-5 shook me to the core as I saw my child within the words.  Job is talking with one of his friends about his struggles.  He says, "When I lie down I say, 'When shall I arise?' But the night is long, and I am full of tossing till the dawn.  My flesh is clothed with worms and dirt; my skin hardens, then breaks out afresh."
I shared the story of Job with Micah and read this particular passage to him.  Discovering that someone in the Bible had suffered with skin issues in the same way he had - in a strange way, it seemed to bring him peace.

Micah's biopsy results came back.  He indeed had both Eczema and PRP.  PRP is a rare skin disorder. It causes the skin cells to rapidly produce which causes the inflammation and peeling of the skin.  The cause of the disorder is not yet known.  The treatment for PRP is a medication called Methotrexate.  This medication causes the skin cells to slow down production.  It is not typically given to children as it can affect liver function and cause other rapidly producing cells (blood cells) to drop.  Micah would have his blood checked often to ensure his blood count does not decrease.  If it does he would have to come off the medication.

Micah has been on the medication for a month and a half.  We have seen an amazing improvement in his skin!  His skin is so smooth and clear.  Truly a miracle!

And guess what?  My mom found in some of the research about PRP that the disorder causes EXTREME EXHAUSTION because the body is working overtime to produce the skin cells.  It all makes sense!  Micah was sleeping so much because he was making skin!  Since he has been on the Methotrexate he has only slept in class once!  His teacher says it is like she is teaching a completely different child!

God answers prayers - we just have to be faithful!