I FEEL LIKE IT’S TAKING OVER…

14-18

At 14, My ezcema had reached a point that it was hard to ignore. The itchiness had now spread all over my body like a virus spreading over me.

My face was dry; the feeling of my face tightening was an uncomfortable feeling

It was hard to take part in any sports in school or any exercise, as my arms and legs would flare up. This would only happen in P.E classes, or any outside movement would result in these flare-ups

Confidence

At 15, my eczema had really started to affect my mind

It was hard to be sociable at the time, my confidence level was at an all-time low, I was very shy around other people

It was hard at times to keep a positive attitude. I was withdrawn and was constantly worried about what people would think of me.

The looks and stares that I was given when people saw the markings, red patches and spots

I had wanted to disappear into the background. To not deal with any of this mess.

Light treatment

At 16, during one of my many visits to the hospital at the dermatology ward, I was put into a light treatment program. I was told by the dermatologist that the light treatment would help to tame my eczema and keep it under control.

Despite many attempts, it truly never left…

I was given many medications throughout the years to help me keep it under control.

It cannot be cured…

But it can be tamed…

At 17, I had many visits to the hospital. The many creams that the dermatology ward had supplied me with had started to consume my very environment.

Many of the creams I had to note not to mix and match with each other.

To treat my face, body, and any of the ripped areas occupying my skin.

One of the worst creams that I had to endure was Elocon, which was used on the ripped areas of my skin.

I had wished for this chronic condition to go away. I was naive about it.

The dermatologist had told me that eczema cannot be cured, but it can be tamed.

Sinking into a dark place…

Losing control of my skin…

At 18, I had felt like I was in a dark place. I had to keep up with a routine of using prescription cream from the dermatology ward

I had many flare-ups that had to be treated as they continued to worsen over time.

My skin mainly depended on the prescription creams, and it was frustrating when I ran out of them