Carter Padelford, a 7-year-old from Las Vegas, Nevada, is bravely battling two ultra-rare skin conditions, lamellar ichthyosis and ectropion, which prevent him from closing his eyes, even while sleeping, and require him to moisturize his skin seven times a day. These conditions cause his skin to produce excess layers, resulting in scaly, dry patches that cover his body from head to toe, significantly impacting his daily activities and ability to play with friends.
Carter’s mother, Shai Bresee, who raises him alone, diligently applies special moisturizers to his skin multiple times a day to manage his condition. “His body overproduces skin at a rapid rate, but his skin cell turnover isn’t up to par to release the dead skin cells,” she explained. Despite these efforts, Carter’s skin remains extremely sensitive, and he must wear a cooling vest to play outside.
Carter often wakes up in pain, with his skin feeling tight and sore. “My skin was hurting super bad when I woke up,” he shared with FOX5. His condition not only causes physical discomfort but also affects his ability to engage in normal childhood activities.
The family is preparing for Carter to undergo a skin graft surgery on his eyelids, a procedure that could allow him to close his eyes for the first time. Carter remains hopeful, saying, “I’m going through a lot. It hurts, but I have to go through it until I get surgery, and then it won’t really hurt anymore.”
Bresee expressed her frustration and heartache over her son’s condition. “Why does such a great kid have to go through all of these everyday struggles just to experience normal day-to-day things?” she lamented. The family has set up a GoFundMe page to help cover the costs of the surgery, raising $19,728 so far. On the page, Bresee detailed the challenges Carter faces and the hopeful outcome of the surgery.
Carter’s condition was diagnosed three days after his birth in November 2016. Lamellar ichthyosis, which affects approximately 1 in 100,000 people in the US, disrupts the normal formation of the skin’s outer layer, leading to dark, plate-like scales. His parents, Shai-Anne and Zach Padelford, were initially advised to keep him covered and avoid baths, a strategy that proved ineffective. They eventually turned to cannabis oils, which provided significant relief, reducing the scales and allowing Carter’s hair to grow back.
Despite the improvements, Carter’s condition remains a constant challenge. There is no cure for lamellar ichthyosis, and treatment focuses on lifelong use of moisturizers to prevent skin cracking and maintain comfort. Medication can help reduce scaling, while eye drops prevent dryness. Carter’s journey is ongoing, but with the support of his mother and the community, there is hope for better days ahead.
Bresee continues to advocate for her son, seeking the best possible care and treatment options. “He will struggle no matter what we do, so all we can do is help him struggle with fewer things,” she said. Carter’s story is a testament to resilience and the unwavering love of a mother determined to improve her child’s quality of life.