Eczema Stigma!
Vent about a time that you felt embarrassed, ashamed, or frustrated by other’s opinions and commentary on your skin!
No one had asked me about my skin for many years as I covered it with long sleeves and long pants or leggings/tights. Now that my skin has cleared with rx methotrexate I catch myself as I begin to use the old cover-up gyrations to ensure no skin is exposed. I didn't swim, sun bathe, get in a hot tub or go on overnight outings with girlfriends as so ashamed of my skin condition.
It has taken 3+years to start wearing shorts, leg exposing dresses and skirts and swim suits again.
I did not take showers for a long time as the water hurt my open skin lesions and they itched even more when dried. I cleaned with a washcloth daily. Johnson's baby soap only on private areas. No baths or massages, either
I felt so much shame for so long.
Thank you for sharing your journey. When you have lived with the shame for so long, it's understandable to fall back on those behaviors. It's so great to hear that you're beginning to reclaim the things you once avoided.
Best, Debbie - Team Member
When I worked in fast food and I was told to stay behind the counter so the customers wouldn't see me. My boss asked me if I was contagious. I told her no but was still kept away from customers as much as possible.
, that is so wrong and unfair. No one should have to experience such hate from their job. Are you in a better working environment now? All the best, Sam S. (Admin) I no longer work. I was in the Navy and the skin was just one thing that the service messed up for me. I am on disability due to the skin because it was so bad and my feet. I have to limit food too, to keep everything under control. It gets to be so mentally exhausting. But I am doing better my skin is cracked open and oozing. It was all over my hands and up my legs. I tried to tell my employer that I was allergic to their cleaning stuff but they didn't believe me.
Luke warm cold showers not freezing cold shower
I was having a procedure at the hospital. An anesthesiologist was looking for a vein in my arm. He was having trouble and asked if I was in a fire. Stating that because of my skin he couldn't find the vein. I was hurt and frustrated.
, that is very hurtful and frustrating! I am sorry that that you had that experience. The scarring from eczema is already difficult enough to deal with, without having rude comments on top of it. Have you found anything that helps you lessen their appearance? We have an article here that you might find helpful: https://atopicdermatitis.net/living/my-scar-removal-product-experiment. All the best, Sam S. (Atopic Dermatitis team).
