Avoiding Crowds

I'm sure all eczema patients will agree that one of the many triggers that cause flare-ups is stress and anxiety. All my life I have tried to make sure to minimize stressful scenarios. Where possible, it's so important to do this. By focusing on the triggers and knowing how to prevent them, it can make living with this condition slightly easier. So one example, I avoid going into London using the Underground tubes and trains. They are always too crowded and the air quality is really poor. The times I have ventured into London have always caused me problems both with my asthma and eczema. There are ways around this, however. I will catch the train at times I know will not be crowded; early afternoon or just before midday is normally fine.

Then, once I get there I stay well clear of the Underground. I walk everywhere or jump into an Uber depending on how far I need to travel. I also stick to places where there are acres of space.

Concerts and sporting venues can be problematic

I'm a huge music fan so going to see my favourite bands can be a bit of a mission. A few years back I went, with my girlfriend, to see Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds at Wembley Arena. We had standing tickets only. Well, that was a mistake. When the crowd started to pile in, we were pushed to the front of the stage and I near enough had a panic attack. The close proximity of people and sheer numbers brought on my asthma and surprise, surprise, my itching. Fortunately, we were able to attract the attention of the arena staff and they got us out and to some seats. I won't attend live gigs unless I get seated tickets now and even then if I can watch on TV I will settle for that, less stressful.

Always have an exit strategy

The constant buzz of crowds can be really disorientating and I find myself wanting to get away if I'm there for long periods. If I go to watch a football match or anywhere where there are big crowds I always scan the place for the exit points. I'm probably highlighting other issues here, however, being able to recognize these areas of anxiety and trying to cope instead of eradicating them completely and not living a full and joyful life, has to be a good thing.

Crowded parties

One of the few good things about this pandemic is that there are no parties going on. I can recall going to many in the 90s when there were no rules about smoking inside. So back in the day, there wasn't just the big crowded pubs and clubs to deal with, there was the passive-smoking to battle with too. It was a nightmare! If my condition has taught me one thing it's that constant managing and planning is key. Identifying the triggers and being positive that we can live just as normal a life as anyone else is crucial to keep in mind.