9 Things Only People With Eczema Understand

Anybody who has eczema can go on an endless tirade about what it’s like living with the eczema skin condition. You have mothers, friends and family members all emphasizing and sympathizing, but it's impossible to really know the struggle unless you experience it yourself. I’ve suffered from eczema for years. As an adult, I’ve learned that my triggers include gluten, humidity, heat, stress, and dust. Of course, I was able to cut gluten out of my diet, a lot of my triggers are completely out of my control.

When I was living in Singapore, I had doctors who straight up told me that there was no cure, so I can and should just move out of the country if I want to get rid of my eczema. I would go running to my doctor for cortisone shots when the itching just won’t go away. I have incredibly sensitive eyes that used to water so much that I looked like I had been through the worst breakup of my life every single morning. I’ve woken up with broken skin from scratching myself in the middle of the night. Having eczema is not a big bundle of fun. Now, I live in Los Angeles where a little moisture in the air is something most would consider much-welcomed, but eczema does plague me once in a while. The truth is, you really don’t know what it’s like unless you have it. Here are things all eczema sufferers can really, truly identify with.

1. You Cannot Trust Yourself When You’re Sleeping

You think you’ll be rid of the agonizing itch that’s been pestering you all day by going to bed? Nah, you’re not going to get off that easily. You may have spent a good hour slathering creams, lotions and even going to bed in gloves, but you’ll scratch it all off in a minute of itching sleeping frenzy.

2. Anyone Who Tells You To “Stop Scratching; It’ll Just Make It Worse” Is Infuriating

Have you had chicken pox for ten years of your life? No? Then STFU.

3. You’ve Fully Experienced Shedding Like A Snake

It’s like you’re leaving a trail of glitter where you walk… but uh, less pretty.

4. You Have More Creams On Your Bathroom Counter Than CVS

You have something for the different kinds of itch you get (yes, there are different kinds), for every different nook of your body you get them. Hydrocortisone Cream? Got it. Triamcinolone Acetonide Ointment? Also got it. Elidel? Have that too, but still nothing seems to bloody work.

5. Everybody Thinks They Have Gone Through Med School When They See You Scratching

I hate to break it to you, but I know what’s wrong with me. I have tried EVERYTHING and even my doctor can’t cure me, so don’t even try.

6. You Get It On The Weirdest Parts Of Your Body

On the palm of your hands, on your scalp, behind your knees (and just in time for sweat season!), right at the side of your mouth. And nope, no amount of concealer will help either.

7. Anybody Who Complains About Dry Skin In Winter Is A Weakling

Try dry skin every single day of the year. Or dry skin in some parts of your body, and oily other parts. It’s honestly incredible.

8. There Have Been Occasions When You’ve Woken Up With Bloody Fingernails

It’s just your sleeping self destroying your body. NBD.

9. You’ve Spent Too Much Time Naked Waiting For Steroid Creams To Work

Sometimes nothing else works. Sometimes, the only thing you can do is get naked, lie still in your bed, and hope that the Universe has a little mercy.

Images: Faz Abdul Gaffa-Marsh; Giphy