Eczema - Eczema is a condition
that causes the skin to become itchy, red, dry and cracked. It is a long-term
or chronic, condition. Atopic eczema can vary in severity and most people
are only mildly affected. Severe symptoms include cracked, sore and bleeding skin.
People with atopic eczema usually have periods when symptoms are less
noticeable, as well as flare-ups when symptoms become more severe, needing
additional treatment (source).
The
first time that I realized I was different was when I was 6 years old. My
teacher noticed the bleeding scabs on my joints and she got concerned and sent
me home. I didn't know what was wrong with me, but after a visit to the doctor,
I finally had a name for it ECZEMA. At first we didn't really know how to deal
with it, the steroid ointments I was given weren't very effective and it got
worse before we finally got the right combination to handle it.
The doctor told us that it would
disappear in 2 years, 5 years and then 10 years, am 28 years old now and it hasn't disappeared yet but the intensity of the attacks has reduced over the
years. I still maintain hope that one day I will get some medicine that will
clear the rashes permanently. Right now I rarely get scabby but my skin breaks
out into rashes every once in a while and parts of my body look like I have
goose bumps. I also have some scars from previous break outs. It’s not really
that bad I can usually hide it under my clothes.
I was lucky growing up, I know
that kids can be cruel but not the ones I went to school with. The questions
were there of course but once you answered them that was it. They and my family
accepted me with my imperfections and my childhood went on blissfully. I am
eternally grateful for that because it gave me the confidence to go through
life blissfully unaware that I am different. In fact the only time that the
topic of my skin came up in a negative light, was this one time when I was
hanging out with a group of guys and they started calling me CHICKEN SKIN.I
remember being confused, ‘were they really
talking about me? ‘In that manner, who raised them!!?It shows you how
sheltered I have been and how grateful I am for the people I went to school
with and the people in my life because I
can imagine how low my self esteem would be if I had.
Most of the time I don’t realize
that I’m any different; I always have a tube of Dermovate and some Celestamine
to take care of any breakouts. I think that life is short so I tend to live it
up quite a bit, I don’t let a little rash stop me .Which is kind of
counterproductive I know and I’m working on it. I like to party and eat all the
wrong foods; I’m working on it though. I avoid make up though and certain
scents and soaps, certain hair products. Basically anything that causes a break
out. I also have to avoid stress which is not always possible but causes some
major breakouts on my skin. And of course take lots and lots of water. I guess
my skin is a litmus test for when I ingest something toxic and the trick is to
live as healthy a life as possible.
I have also been really lucky
with the people I have in my life. The guys I have dated, my friends and
family. They are just amazing I have never felt like I am any different. Which
is what we are all looking for unconditional loveJSo
that’s one facet of my life, some have it better and some have it worse, such
is life, I guess I am one of the lucky ones.
You might wonder why am writing
about something so personal and close to my heart. Someone might be going
through the same thing or worse. It always helps to know that you are not alone,that you are beautiful and wonderfully made.“There is nothing more rare, nor more beautiful, than a woman being unapologetically herself; comfortable in her perfect imperfection. To me, that is the true essence of beauty.”
― Steve Maraboli.
As always and sincerely,
Mwara.
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