But when the irritation went from barely noticeable to consistently annoying, I sought out medical advice.
Also known asatopic dermatitis, eczema is achronic skin conditionthat causes itching and dryness.
It deeply impacts ourself-perceptionand the way that we are perceived by others.
Verywell Mind / Getty Images
I was completely blindsided by its appearance.
It’s actually way more common than you would expect," says dermatologistDr.
“I recently saw a patient in his 90s who had his very first flare of eczema.
People think it just happens in young babies or kids.
The discomfort was bad, but the visible symptoms were worse.
I hated the way my skin was raised, interrupting the natural lines of my fingers and toes.
I wondered,was everyone looking at my skin?
Body Image Concerns
The presence of the symptoms felt like a shadow looming over my summer.
Concerns about being seen as ashy swirled in my head.
The last thing I wanted was for people to think I had some sort of contagious rash.
I recently saw a patient in his 90s who had his very first flare of eczema.
People think it just happens in young babies or kids.
My sense of embarrassment was validated.
Embarrassment and shame surrounding eczema persist despite how frequently it appears in so many lives.
Coping might be easier when you do it alongside others.
Dr. Kopelman points out spaces where those with eczema can come together to discuss their challenges.
You’re not alone.
She adds that there is always something a person can pick apart about their appearance.
So it might not be this, but they have something else.
Not to mention, the fear of stigmatization is ever-present.
I was uncomfortable discussing my eczema until I couldnt put it off anymore.
I was even nervous to bring it up with my doctor.
Ironically, talking can help one cope with the punch in ofsocial anxietythat eczema can cause.
Psychological Effects
Thepsychological effects of eczemaare significant.
“Psychological issues can also exacerbate eczema.
For more information about eczema, visit theNational Eczema Association.
National Eczema Foundation.What is Eczema?
2020;8(1):248.
2018;8(12):e024877.
Courtney A, Su JC.The psychology of atopic dermatitis.J Clin Med.
2024;13(6):1602.
National Eczema Association.Eczema Facts.
2021;35(4):835-843.
2014;134(7):1847-1854.
2017;2017(9):CD010938.
