I've never been shy about having eczema. Health.com approached me to be in their videos about ecema because they found a Youtube video I made years ago about having it. I think the condition scares a lot of people who don't know much about it because (1) it's a funny (if not ominous) sounding name for a skin problem with (2) no discoverable cure.
Let me say this right off the bat: I have great skin! I've never suffered from bad acne, don't burn too easily in the sun and I'm not extremely sensitive when it comes to trying all kinds of skincare products. My skin has been a joy to live in for 30+ years. But occassionally, I will develop a terrible dry rash on my hands, feet, arms, legs and stomach which makes it difficult to move through my day without distraction, irritation and frustration from not being able to satisfy the itch. This is eczema and this is my story.
Interestingly enough, eczema presents itself differently on different bodies. I have a type of eczema that appears on my hands and feet called Dyshidrotic Eczema (also called Dyshidrosis). Over the years it's become less of nuisance but at the beginning (I got it at the age of 30), it was unbearable. I couldn't use my hands properly and things like yoga or any kind of workout performed barefoot was completely out of the question.
If you're reading this, maybe you have eczema (and can relate to my experience) or perhaps you found this article while doing some kind of Google search. Here are 5 things I'd like you to know...
Or, maybe you just discovered you have eczema and you're trying to make sense of it all. If that's you, I remember like it was yesterday being in your shoes. It's terribly confusing because all of sudden your skin just hates you no matter how well you've taken care of it. Well, let me say this, I'm sorry you're going through this. It sucks. Try not to look at too many pictures online because only the worst cases of eczema are posted and probably don't look like what you have. It's best to see a dermatologist than to work yourself up too much comparing your symptoms to diagnoses online.
Finally, eczema will persist and test your patience, and you'll definitely find yourself soaking in a bath tub full of Epsom Salt or some kind of holistic anti-inflammatory concoction....but please know, it will pass and you'll learn how to live with it--HAPPILY--just like I do. I promise, eczema won't be the end of you!
Please watch my videos made in partnership with Health.com. I believe they'll answer some of your questions and fill in the blanks for you. Trust me, it gets easier. Try not to let the stress of the experience get the best of you because that's how you fuel the eczema fire. Relaxation therapy is what puts it out. There are certain things in life we just cannot control and this is one of them. I always tell myself, I love my skin no matter what. Like I said earlier, I have great skin! Tell yourself that--because you do! You're freakin' gorgeous! Let it be your mantra. Because just like PMS and your period, eczema goes away and we always survive :)