Battling with My Own Skin: Unveiling the Secret Key

As a teenager, the experience of seeing bubbles beneath my skin, eventually transforming into painful liquid-filled blisters, marked the onset of my battle with eczema. The journey became even more challenging with wet wrap treatments and the discomfort of changing bandages. Wrapped fingers added to the blows to my adolescent self-esteem.

My early encounter with eczema at the age of four, characterized by rash-like symptoms, triggered questions about why it afflicted me and not others. Despite my father being a dermatologist, the traditional approaches had limited success until homoeopathy provided relief during my teenage years. Since then, eczema has persisted, manifesting differently each time, from discoid eczema to contact dermatitis and dyshidrotic eczema.

Eczema, a skin barrier failure with hereditary and environmental roots, often disproportionately affects children. Studies indicate that women, those with a family history, and individuals with asthma and hay fever are more susceptible. Interestingly, ethnic variations show Asians, Native Americans, and Pacific Islanders as most affected, followed by white individuals, while black individuals are least likely to experience it.

In 2020, amidst stress and a book proposal, my eczema flared up, challenging my professional life in the beauty industry. Social media, where appearance is currency, became a struggle as I tried to inspire others while dealing with a painful, peeling face. Seeking professional help led to various treatments, from oral and topical steroids to bleach baths, providing only temporary relief.

Navigating the beauty industry with eczema proved a rollercoaster, challenging the notion that flawless appearance equates to societal worth. Treatment recommendations included immune-suppressing medications, but the pandemic deterred their exploration. Phototherapy and lifestyle adjustments, like scent-free products and specific skincare routines, became essential.

Identifying triggers and managing flare-ups required trial and error. Avoiding certain scents, using mild skincare products like Avène Tolerance, and incorporating CeraVe moisturizing cream with ceramides proved effective. Dietary changes revealed associations with dairy and gluten-triggering flare-ups. Dr. Thivi Maruthappu emphasized the influence of the gut microbiome and recommended vitamin D supplements and omega-3 fatty acids for improved skin health.

Traditional Chinese medicine, as advocated by Dr. Mazin Al-Khafaji, offered a holistic approach, acknowledging the disrupted skin barrier in eczema. Unlike steroids, Chinese medicine addressed inflammatory phases effectively. Despite managing eczema, my pursuit of triggers continued, with stress identified as a recurring factor. Lifestyle modifications, including meditation and slower exercises like yoga, aim to control stress, acknowledging its impact on eczema.

Unexpected side effects, such as thinning skin due to steroid creams, highlighted the complexities of eczema treatment. Dr. Phillips noted advancements in eczema treatments, including injections and oral JAK inhibitors targeting internal inflammation. Prioritizing stress control became paramount, echoing my father's advice: "The kind of pill you really need is a chill pill."

In my book, I offer the same general guide with practical steps I followed for individuals dealing with eczema. However, the complex nature of eczema emphasizes the need for personalized advice from healthcare professionals.