Two families from Sutherland Shire are issuing a desperate "Save Our Skin" distress call to the federal government, pleading for the subsidised funding of a life-changing medicine that could end years of agony for their children.

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While the treatment Dupilumab, known as Dupixent, is available through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for Australians aged 12 and older at just $25 per month, those with younger children are being forced to pay more than $1600 a month or wait for their child's 12th birthday.

For seven-year-old Jesse Callaghan of Sylvania, the battle began at just three months old. His mother, Kaitlin Woods, describes a childhood defined by pain rather than play. "Clothes hurt, sweat burnt and water stung," she said. "He scratched until his skin bled. He couldn't sleep at night or enjoy the day that followed."

Before receiving compassionate access to the medication in August 2025, Jesse was frequently hospitalised and forced to miss school, wrapped in wet dressings to find even a moment of relief. Since starting the treatment, however, the transformation has been profound. "Jesse's skin has calmed down... he has even been able to take up surfing with his dad," his mother said. "He is finally able to be a child, without his skin dictating every moment of his life."

In Barden Ridge, the Moseley family has faced a similarly gruelling journey with their daughter, Hallie. The six-year-old's eczema became so unmanageable that her parents even considered relocating to the United Kingdom to access the healthcare she required.

"Hallie wakes multiple times overnight itching and in pain," her mother, Jennifer, said. "She can't swim, or enjoy dance and gymnastics, as she is itchy and embarrassed by her skin, which is covered in blood, sores and scratch marks."

Having exhausted all other remedies, Hallie was recently approved for compassionate access and is now anxiously awaiting the start of her treatment.

Melanie Funk, the founder of Eczema Support Australia, argues that it is "not right" that Australian children are being left behind while older patients have accessed the breakthrough therapy for five years.

"It is not fair that these kids suffer the physical and emotional burden of severe eczema - from bleeding skin and sleepless nights to missed schooling and low self-esteem-when there is treatment that halts the condition in its tracks," Ms Funk said.

"Our SOS distress call can't fall on deaf ears and access to this medicine must not be impeded by more red tape."

Medical experts are also weighing in, noting that funding the drug would likely save the healthcare system money in the long run.

Dr Li-Chuen Wong, a specialist from the Australasian College of Dermatologists, pointed to data from the Queensland Children's Hospital showing a 92 per cent drop in hospital admissions for children using the medicine. "This medicine is reducing unnecessary suffering and giving kids back their childhood, while saving our health system thousands of dollars," Dr Wong said. "It's a no-brainer."

With the average hospital admission for a child with severe eczema costing more than $8000, advocates argue the $20,000 annual price tag for the medication is a necessary investment. The Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee is set to meet this July to consider extending the subsidy to children as young as six months old.

"The cost of doing nothing is too high for our children, their families, our healthcare system and the economy more broadly. The time to act is now," Ms Funk said.

Health Minister Mark Butler has been contacted for comment.