Kristin Davis learned to manage her child’s eczema, and more importantly, to trust her mom instincts

While Kristin Davis is best known for her role as the super-optimistic Charlotte York in six seasons of Sex and the City (and you know we’re counting down the days ’til the series reboot comes out), she’s also a very busy mom of two kids, Gemma Rose, a daughter she adopted in 2011, and Wilson, a baby boy she adopted in 2018.

When one of Kristin’s children developed eczema, she became determined to find out what she could do to ease the symptoms. She learned a lot in the process and sat down with Motherly to talk about it. Read on for the details.

Motherly: What was it like when you first saw rashes on your child’s skin?

Kristin Davis: I first noticed it when they were young, but I didn’t know what it was. At the time, I thought they were just different shaped rashes that would come and go. Some were circular or would be in the arm folds and they were all a bit different but, as a mom, this can be very scary. You want to do everything you can to make sure your child is healthy and okay.

Motherly: When did you get a formal eczema diagnosis?

Davis: We didn’t receive an official diagnosis of atopic dermatitis until my child was about one year old. It all changed when we were traveling to New York for my job. It was one of those very hot New York summers and that’s when my child’s eczema got out of control. At the time, I didn’t understand why and it was very stressful. The symptoms worsened. We now know the symptoms can be triggered by things like weather or certain foods, but I didn’t understand that at first. We started texting our pediatrician and he would recommend different things, but they were more ‘green’ or holistic solutions that just didn’t work for us. Then we went to specialists. This went on for a long time. We’re lucky that my child’s eczema is now managed.

Motherly: What are the biggest misconceptions about eczema?

Davis: Unfortunately, many people do not understand how serious a skin disease like eczema can be. They just dismiss it as a simple rash, but it can be much more than that. The thing about eczema is that it’s always there. It’s a chronic condition. In the beginning, I really doubted my concerns because I’d hear from other moms and they’d say things like ‘it’s just dry skin,’ ‘it will go away’ or ‘you can just scrub it off’ and, from my experience, these were not solutions. That’s why it’s so important to trust your instincts as a parent and feel confident about sharing your concerns when talking with your doctor. That’s one of the reasons why I’m so excited to partner with Sanofi and Regeneron and share my story to raise awareness of the impact atopic dermatitis can have and encourage other parents like me to feel empowered in making treatment decisions for your child.

Motherly: What worked to help your child feel better?

Davis: Over the years, we tried many variations of the treatments and creams available. They would help for periods of time, but nothing had worked to help or control the disease long-term. Now, my child’s condition is managed after consulting with our doctor on a treatment plan that works for us, and we understand much more about the disease. We know there are certain triggers, the weather is a big one for us, but we can’t control that. We can think ahead in terms of communication and preparation. My child knows to communicate the different symptoms and express how they’re feeling. It’s a painful itch, not like a bug bite, so it’s a lot of communicating and thinking, what do I need to have on me in case there is a worsening of symptoms.

Motherly: Can you share any other tips about being a mom?

Davis: Moms should know that they’re not alone and should trust their instincts. You know if your child’s condition is ongoing, as opposed to just dry skin as other moms would often say to me. I know firsthand how frustrating and exhausting it can be trying to find the right treatment for your child. That’s why it’s important to do your research and have honest conversations with your doctors to find what works for you and your child.

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