148. Eczema Socks

This Okay listener feels closer to her son after discovering she can make him merino wool socks that soothe his skin.

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EPISODE INTRO

 Today’s okay thing comes from Kelly. 

EMAIL WHOOSH

My son developed eczema when he was around 6 months old. We’ve managed to get most of his eczema under control, except the constant flare ups that were on his big toes. My son always scab of some sort on top of his big toes at the joint. His feet always get really sweaty and it always triggers his eczema. No matter what strength of medicated cream we tried, it would not go away and it would break my heart.

Well, around December last year I thought I would expand my knitting skills and learn to make socks, which I had always previously avoided. And then I started to wonder if I could make socks for my son to help his feet. I did some research and found out about Merino wool. It’s a special wool that has temperature regulating properties so it keeps your feet cool in the summer and warm in the winter. And the fibers are gentle on sensitive skin. Once I learned about Merino wool I decided to try to make him some socks since I could make socks with a higher merino content than those sold in stores.

I made a pair for myself first to learn the skill and then devoted myself to making my son a set of merino wool socks. It took me about 2-3 weeks per pair and he now has 4 pairs. Let me tell you I am impressed with the results. His pediatric dermatologist is so impressed he’s looked into merino wool and has mentioned our success to other parents.

This whole experience has given me hope that maybe I was meant to be his mother. Maybe the universe chose me to be his mom because I have skills and tools that he needs in his life. So whenever I hear that nagging voice telling me I’m not a good enough mother I think of my son’s wonderfully flair-up free feet wrapped up in beautiful hand made socks.

OUTRO MUSIC 

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