If you’ve been diagnosed with eczema, or atopic dermatitis, you’re not alone. This chronic skin condition affects more than 31 million Americans and between 2 to 10 percent of adults worldwide, according to the National Eczema Association (NEA). Telltale symptoms include dry, itchy skin or inflamed rashes that flare up over the course of a person’s life. It’s not contagious, but it can be super uncomfortable, not to mention emotionally distressing.
Anyone can have eczema, though CDC data shows that it’s disproportionately diagnosed in women. This complex condition is strongly linked to allergies, asthma, and other autoimmune issues. Common triggers run the gamut — perfumed bodycare or cleaning products, allergic reactions, hormonal fluctuations, and even stress can all irritate eczema.
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Flare-ups can look very different from person to person too, especially on different skin tones. For severe flares, dermatologists will often prescribe a topical steroid for short-term use. Long-term, though, eczema management involves avoiding triggers, reducing stress and overall inflammation in the body, and keeping your skin moisturized with fragrance-free products.
According to a survey from NEA, about half of all people with atopic dermatitis indicate that having it significantly limits their lifestyle. That’s why advocates say it’s so important to raise awareness of eczema and challenge misconceptions about this common condition.
SheKnows interviewed six women who have eczema about how it affects their lives and skin, and what they do to keep flares at bay. Keep reading to learn more, and to see photos that show how eczema really does look different on everyone.
Vindya has had eczema since childhood. Growing up, it affected her confidence “massively,” she shares. Visible flares would dictate what clothes she felt comfortable wearing and even resulted in other kids mocking her at school. Over the years, she’s learned to manage her eczema and steer clear of her triggers, which include sensitivities to certain foods and fabrics. She’s also found solace in creating content online about her eczema journey.
“Since having my daughter, my skin has become much more sensitive than it used to be,” she explains, “so I’ve had to adjust and find new ways to care for it. Right now, I’d say I’m in a place where I understand my skin better. But it’s still a constant journey of learning and managing (and occasional breakdowns) when it gets overwhelming.”
As far as Vindya’s advice for her fellow eczema warriors? “Embrace what feels right for you. Everyone’s eczema journey looks different, so it’s important to find a routine that works for your body and skin.”
“Community is also key,” she adds. “Surround yourself with people who understand what you’re going through, whether that’s friends, family, or others living with eczema. Knowing you’re not alone makes a huge difference.”
Yaa had mild eczema as a child, but she didn’t experience a severe flare until adulthood. In hindsight, she believes it was triggered by stress from her relationship and having two children in the span of two years.
“When my skin has flared massively in the past, it affects literally everything I do,” she says. “It feels almost impossible to do the simplest things like showering, sleeping, and sometimes even putting on clothes depending on how sensitive my skin is at the time.”
After “years of trial and error,” Yaa now has a deeper understanding of how her eczema is connected to her internal and mental health. She uses a variety of supplements, herbs, and nutrient-dense foods to stay healthy and prevent flares.
“[Living with eczema] can be overwhelming at times, especially if you’re stuck on the cycle of using topical steroids to treat it,” she shares. “I always encourage people to look within to find any imbalances and do blood tests to find out if there are any deficiencies.” She also recommends taking steps to reduce stress and tend to your emotional well-being.
Lowri’s lifelong journey with eczema began as an infant. By the age of 2, she was prescribed strong steroid creams to keep her intense, full-body flares at bay. In 2019, she experienced one of her worst flares to date, which left her “bed bound, unable to move properly, and completely depressed.”
“Flare-ups can be debilitating and impact how active I am, but mentally, the impact lasts longer than the physical symptoms do,” she shares. “My self-esteem and confidence are knocked massively, and this takes time to build up again. .. It’s impacted my relationship and intimacy at times too — it’s so hard to be affectionate when the skin on your body is sore, and that takes a long time to overcome.”
Thanks to a combination of strategies that keep her skin barrier “strong and healthy,” Lowri rarely gets severe flares now. She focuses on keeping her skin clean and moisturized with fragrance-free products, reducing stress, and minimizing her exposure to environmental triggers like dust. She’s also taken to documenting her life — including her eczema journey — on social media.
“The main thing I have to remind myself is that your skin doesn’t define your worth or change you as a person,” she says. “You may feel the whole world is staring at you, or that you can’t be around people when you’re flaring, but believe me, people will only have compassion and not think of you any differently.”
Abby also developed eczema as a child. Her first intense flare occurred when she was going through a breakup as a teenager. The experience “completely changed” how she related to her skin and herself, she says. Her skin eventually recovered from that initial flare, but Abby’s eczema continued to act up at different points throughout her 20s and 30s.
“There were times it felt like I was disabled because the rashes covered 95 percent of my body and took years to heal,” she shares. “It made me feel incredibly depressed and even at times suicidal. … Thankfully, as my skin has healed, it doesn’t control my life in the same way anymore.”
As far as treatments go, Abby saw the best results when she “stopped chasing quick fixes” and started listening to her body. “Working with alternative practitioners like an acupuncturist, naturopath, and nutritionist, alongside my doctors, gave me a comprehensive healing plan that supported me on a deeper level,” she says. “And when flare-ups do happen, I try to meet them with patience instead of frustration.”
Today, Abby is a registered holistic nutritionist and the host of The Eczema Podcast. She uses her platform to educate people on this condition and coach other eczema warriors in their own journeys.
Growing up, Kayla had mild eczema behind her knees, but it was really when she started getting acrylic and gel manicures as an adult that her case became more severe. Her flares primarily affect her hands. At times, they can become so cracked and painful that Kayla can’t make a fist or bend her fingers.
“I’m still dealing with it today,” she says, “but I’m trying my best to stay consistent and to keep track of my progress.” She’s had good luck by steering clear of her triggers, using soothing products (and no scalding hot water!) on her hands, and fueling her body with fresh juices and other nutrient-dense foods.
“Eczema is linked to inflammation and gut health,” Kayla notes. That’s why she’s such a strong proponent of “lifestyle changes” that bolster your skin health from the inside out. She also recommends getting tested for any pesky allergies or sensitivities that could be triggering your eczema.
“If you struggle with eczema, there is hope for healing,” she adds. “It just takes time. And it does not make you any less beautiful!”
Joanne experienced her first major eczema flare during the COVID-19 pandemic. She was eventually able to get it under control, and her eczema is currently “pretty stable,” she shares. That said, having this condition and severe allergies definitely affects her lifestyle, a reality she chronicles online as a content creator.
“It can change my moods, especially when I get flare-ups in the middle of the day,” she says. “It stops me from going outside sometimes because I know when I’m out for too long, I get really hot, then sweaty, then red, and it gets super uncomfortable.”
When her eczema acts up, Joanne relocates to a cool, dry place. Then, she uses a spray that contains the soothing ingredient hypochlorous acid to calm her skin and prevent further irritation.
“As long as you know how to prevent your eczema from flaring up, you’ll be fine,” she adds. “Don’t feel too down or alone because you’re not.”
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