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My Eczema Story: What I've Learned

I have had eczema for so long, I can't remember my first memories of it. What I can remember is how my eczema worsened as I got older, putting me on the rare side of statistics (usually children outgrow their eczema).

As a result I've gone through tons of different products (moisturizers, bath bombs, etc), tried different treatments (steroids, antibiotics, sleep aids, acupuncture, naturopathy, massage, cupping, dieting, yoga, phototherapy), and seen a lot of different medical practitioners.

Nowadays, I look back and focus on all the collected learned moments from my years with eczema, using them to keep me moving forward.

What my eczema taught me

I have learned about wound care techniques, when my skin may be getting infected, when I'm finishing up a flare, and how to work around various skin stages.

I have had to learn how to live with eczema around life; to let it not slow me down academically as an undergrad, in getting a masters, and hopefully one day in pursuing a PhD.

I have learned that my skin doesn't stop people from loving me. I have found love and made life (had a baby in 2018) all while having eczema, and I've developed stronger relationships and more open communication because of it.

I have learned I can challenge my physical body to do all kinds of new things with eczema and all, like Tough Mudder races, 5ks, yoga teacher trainings.

I have created and recreated career plans for myself, switching from clinical to advisory professions to accommodate my skin's unpredictable behaviors, keeping my mind flexible and my dreams growing.

I have learned prioritize and continue to improve on managing my stress levels. I've learned to let go, to breathe.

I have learned to appreciate sleep so so so much more, and to know that healing takes a lot of time and a lot of TLC.

The power of sharing

I have learned that it's important to share what I'm going through; there are others out there that may not yet have found their voice, or who are looking to find someone who shares their experience.

I have learned that I'm not alone, and neither are you.

What has eczema taught you?

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This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The AtopicDermatitis.net team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

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