Mother Baths Baby with Bleach to Manage Rare Skin Condition, Calls for Understanding

A mother in Superior, Wisconsin, has resorted to bathing her one-year-old daughter in bleach every other day to prevent infections caused by her rare skin condition. Raven Ford’s daughter, Amelia Moe, suffers from lamellar ichthyosis, a condition that results in scaly skin and affects her hair, skin, and nails. Despite facing judgment and criticism from strangers, Ford follows medical recommendations and uses bleach to ensure her daughter’s skin remains infection-free. In this article, we delve into the challenges faced by Amelia and her family, shed light on lamellar ichthyosis, and emphasize the importance of empathy and understanding.

Amelia’s lamellar ichthyosis makes her skin scaly, necessitating constant moisturization and specialized care. Her skin is compared to “petting a snake,” and her hair and nails are also affected. The condition poses challenges for Amelia’s parents, who endure negative comments and assumptions from strangers. Lamellar ichthyosis is a rare genetic condition characterized by abnormal scaling and shedding of the skin. It affects approximately one in 600,000 babies and often manifests as large plate-like scales that can be dark red or brown. The condition can cause complications such as overheating and can affect various body parts, including the eyelids, hair, and fingers. Due to the severity of Amelia’s condition and her intolerance to regular soap, doctors advised her mother to use bleach during bathing to minimize the risk of infection. Although this may sound unconventional, it is a prescribed medical practice in some cases. Amelia’s mother, Raven Ford, has faced insensitive remarks from strangers, including being called selfish for considering having more children who might also develop lamellar ichthyosis. Ford emphasizes the importance of understanding and highlights that everyone has their own reasons for the choices they make. Amelia’s parents experienced distress when she was born, as her skin appeared tight, shiny, and covered her hands and feet extensively. Initially, doctors were unsure of her condition until a specialist confirmed the diagnosis of lamellar ichthyosis. The uncertainty and the fear of severe forms of the condition created a difficult emotional journey for the family. Amelia’s story sheds light on the challenges faced by individuals with rare skin conditions like lamellar ichthyosis and the impact it has on their families. It is crucial to approach such situations with empathy and refrain from judgment. The use of bleach baths, under medical guidance, is a testament to the lengths parents go to ensure the well-being of their children. By raising awareness and promoting understanding, we can create a more compassionate society for those facing unique medical circumstances.