Living with eczema

            Most people think they know what eczema is, what it looks like and what it feels like, but really you can’t know unless you have it. People try to understand and are generally very sympathetic, but it’s hard to listen to what they say because you’re normally far too busy scratching.

            Eczema doesn’t just affect the skin, it effects you mentally and emotionally as well. Aside from the rash that is visible on the surface, eczema controls your life in many other ways. I for one can’t drink alcohol, can’t have a bath, and can’t use any soap or perfumed product. When I go to the hairdressers they have to put special treatment on my scalp so my hair doesn’t fall out and all my clothes need to be 100% cotton. Having to be so careful with day to day life, on top of looking a bit funny because there’s a rash on your face, puts a massive strain on sufferers lives, and also their degree. Can you imagine trying to read a book whilst ants crawl all over you? That’s how we feel.

            I’m trying to promote awareness about eczema as maybe if people understand slightly more, eczema sufferers wont feel as out of place in society as they do now. So when you see someone scratching away in a seminar or lecture, they may not have nits, they might just have eczema!