How She Learned To Listen To Her Body

I was first diagnosed with eczema as a small child, I’m not sure exactly what age. When I was younger, I typically self-treated with topical steroids. I would just keep the topical steroids that I got from the doctor [and use those]. 

As an adult, in 2022, I started going to an allergist after I experienced anaphylaxis and developed food allergies. The allergist confirmed I have atopic dermatitis (AD) and some contact dermatitis. It was then that they prescribed Dupixent (dupilumab) for my AD and eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) [a disease that causes inflammation and narrowing of the esophagus, causing difficulty swallowing or leading to food getting stuck].

I’ve struggled with eczema since I was a kid

I have memories of having eczema since I was about 5 years old. I am now 33. I remember my mother always putting bandages on my elbow joint to help cover the scabs and/or cuts from where I would scratch in my sleep and make myself bleed. All my family portraits have me with my arms bandaged.

When I was a small child, people were always asking me, “What’s wrong with your face?” I was singled out and picked on as a child. I was also not able to do many things like go to the beach and get in saltwater or even the pool water because of my eczema.

I learned to listen to my body

My relationship with my eczema has been very toxic in a sense. After having and dealing with it for almost 30 years, you begin to listen to it and compromise. I had to begin listening to my body and watch for things that make it better or make it worse and start or stop doing those things in order to keep the peace.

Today I feel good about my journey. I have EoE, so I have learned so much about nutrition and diet and how what I eat affects my body. Since taking up a cleaner diet, I have seen my eczema surrender some.

I was on Dupixent (dupilumab) for the EoE and the eczema, though I was taking the dosage for EoE. It was amazing to watch my skin renew itself and get healthy. Unfortunately, I was one of the rare cases that was having severe allergic reactions and secondary symptoms and had to stop taking it. It was hard to stop taking it and begin to see it all come back. It wasn’t until I began eating an organic whole foods, top six allergenic-free diet that I began feeling a difference in my skin. I still have flares every once in a while, especially when I touch things that cause itchiness upon contact.

Dealing with motherhood and eczema

As an adult, it has been so challenging having to take care of my kids in simple ways like changing diapers or cleaning when my hands have cuts on them from the inflammation and scaling. I have had numerous infections since the cuts collected germs and bacteria, and washing my hands often was just so painful. I have had to learn to use my left hand because my right hand is the one that flares the worst. Becoming skilled in my less dominant hand has been a challenge for me.

I chose compassion

I have learned a lot about myself after having eczema my whole life. I have not let it stop me from living. It has taught me to not care what people think of my appearance, even though I am self-conscious at times, especially when it flares on my face. It has taught me self-control when the itchiness is so much, but I don’t allow myself to give into scratching my skin off. Mainly it has taught me to love and care for myself.

Eczema may seem like a common condition. It may be thrown in conversation or taken with the lightness of something like a common cold. But only those who have experienced the helplessness and pain from it can understand. It can transform you into a caring, compassionate person. I chose to be that person instead of being sad and bitter about my eczema.

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