My Eczema Journey: Part one

When I was a small child I had severe eczema and allergy issues. The eczema was around my mouth, hands, and feet. Our allergy doctor at the time prescribed many different unsuccessful medical treatments, which  included oatmeal baths, a skin allergy tests, steroids, avoidance of certain foods, and bleach baths. Finally, we found our own ways to manage my skin condition. I had breakouts throughout my younger years, but nothing horribly severe.

Unfortunately, during my teenage years,  my eczema came back with vengeance. In the Summer of 2023, I developed  small patches of eczema on the backs of my knees and in my inner elbows. I tried to doctor it, but over the summer it became progressively worse. The eczema began to spread all over my legs and arms. I could not wear shorts or sleeveless shirts because I was  self conscious. When I did wear clothing that exposed my irritated skin,  people would ask questions. In addition, exposure to the environment would further irritate my skin.  Around August, the eczema completely covered my legs, feet, arms, and hands. I would not show anyone my skin. Not even my mom knew how red and inflamed it had become. It got to the point where I could not sleep at night due to the pain and itching. It was uncontrollable. I tried steroids, oils, and creams. Nothing worked. I was fed up and in pain, which left me in a horrible mood. Apologies to my family.

From July to October, I had tried the following solutions: Steroid cream, steroid pills, borage oil, coconut oil, shea butter, jojoba oil, and beef tallow. All of which provided temporary relief, but did not last. I had not tried cutting out any food items on my own.  Nothing I had tried was giving me relief, and I would not even try making myself more miserable by not eating the food I loved so much. 

I started talking to friends and family about eczema, looking for answers that were not average dermatologists. A friend introduced us to Functional Medicine, which is a holistic diet-based approach to healing. I booked an appointment at a clinic nearby. I arrived at my appointment in October with most of my skin covered and my feet wrapped with gauze. We told the physician my whole medical history. She suggested that I had gut health issues triggering my food sensitivities that were then leading to my eczema breakout.  The plan was to run a few tests to figure out my food sensitivities and gut health. From there, I would start the healing process. 

Part 2 coming soon. 

 Here are some photos of my skin from August of 2023:

August 30th, 2023 (It got way worse than this in September of 2023)

August 3rd, 2023

Sources:

https://www.ifm.org/functional-medicine/what-is-functional-medicine/