Latter-day Saint Life

How an 8-Year-Old Latter-day Saint with a Rare Genetic Condition Proves Her Faith Is More Than Skin Deep

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Hanna Barrott, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Ooltewah, Tennessee, has a condition called lamellar ichthyosis. Defined by firstskinfoundation.org, ichthyosis is “a family of genetic skin disorders characterized by dry, scaling skin that may be thickened or very thin and sheds as a result.”

Due to her condition, 8-year-old Hanna’s body regenerates her skin cells every few days as opposed to once a month. This causes her skin to be very dry, so she applies lotion to her entire body twice a day, along with other routine medical care to keep her body comfortable.

Her body cannot self-regulate its body temperature, hot or cold. Because she can overheat very quickly, her parents have to be very cautious about the activities she does each day.

Despite life’s obstacles, Hanna has proven that her condition does not define who she is and that her faith runs much deeper than her skin.

Story by Kelsey Schwab Adams; lead image provided by Megan Barrott, retrieved from Church News.
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