National Jewish, Rocky Mountain Youth Clinics Target Eczema

Avinadi with his mother, Maritza Duran (credit: CBS)

DENVER (CBS4) A Colorado hospital is teaching some pediatricians how best to treat a chronic condition. They are targeting eczema, an itchy rash that can get so bad it affects the whole family.

4 On Your Side Health Specialist Kathy Walsh found out the experts at National Jewish Health are reaching out to clinics that serve people who struggle to get proper care.

Children with eczema are so miserable they often scratch and rub uncontrollably, but thanks to an educational grant, doctors in clinics that serve the needy are learning what may stop the itch.

Avinadi Rivera-Duran has an itch he just cant scratch.

You have no idea. I went through tons of lotions. I bought everything that got in my way I tried my best, Avinadis mother Maritza Duran told a doctor about her sons eczema.

The 17-month-old was born with eczema, a disease that causes itchy, inflamed skin. His just keeps getting worse.

If you can see right now, hes desperate. He wants to scratch himself, and if I dont pay attention to him, hell do it and bleed bleed like crazy, Duran said.

Eczema is a chronic condition and about 17 percent of children suffer from it. But in severe cases, the whole family suffers.

When its bad, it can be really bad, Dr. Sophia Meharena with Rocky Mountain Youth Clinics said.

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National Jewish, Rocky Mountain Youth Clinics Target Eczema