Ever since I was younger, I've suffered from eczema and scalp psoriasis. For the longest time, my eczema affected my entire body, including my face. I would cry whenever my mom put lotion on me because it would sting so badly. After years of allergy shots, I'm starting to get it under control, but I will never be completely eczema-free.
My hands prove it. Sorry if the cover photo is gross to you, but it's a reality, and I want to portray reality.
On top of that, I have scalp psoriasis, which means that my scalp is itchy, flaky, and scaly. When it's really bad, especially in the winter, I wear hats a lot to cover up the flakes. I have permanent bags and dark spots under my eyes from steroid treatments.
I'm so tired of people telling me that I need to put lotion on and I'll be okay. Eczema is thought to be an autoimmune disorder, meaning that your immune system attacks itself, leading to itchy, red skin. It affects around 30% of people in the United States. Psoriasis is a little less common, but many people who have it experience symptoms localized to one area of the body.
My skin has gotten so bad that I hate washing my hands (even though I obviously do) and I wish I could wear a glove all of the time. I feel like people look at me and think I'm gross.
In reality, they don't. I hate my skin problems, but I don't have to. My skin problems are simply a part of me, and it's time I accept them.
Yes, my skin looks gross sometimes. My scalp flakes make me really self-conscious sometimes. But as summer approaches, I can't hide it. I have to embrace my flaws, and just live.
To everyone out there suffering from a skin condition and wanting to hide, don't. I promise you no one is judging you.
You don't go up to someone with acne and ask what's wrong with them. Other skin conditions are no different.
Someone told me that if I decided to walk around with gloves on my hands (to cover my eczema up and to just stop scratching), I would be like Michael Jackson, just with two gloves. Let me tell you, I love that perspective.
Embrace your body and your flaws. You only have one.
