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Hi there,

I'm new to this forum but I'm glad I have found somewhere to release my anger etc over this.
Okay, so I'm 17 and I have had eczema for as long as I can remember. It covers my scalp, my ears, just underneath my eyebrows, my bellybutton and slightly lower down as well
I have been given so many different creams and shampoos and chemical crap that will work for a little bit, but by little I mean a few days, maybe a week or so if I'm lucky. I've given up going to the doctor, they don't understand that I don't need these creams, I need something more severe to completely eliminate the problem, or reduce it at least.
I have now got psoriasis as well, red, dry patches keep appearing over my chest and torso, and I have several large red patches over my neck, so I'm waiting for the hickey remarks to start by friends/family.
I really don't know what to do, I'm struggling to remain so positive.
I guess a downer is being so young and having to cope with this from little. I remember I was on a school trip where we went away, I was only like 10/11 and it was an activity camp thing. For most of the activities we were told to tie our hair up and I refused because the dryness was ridiculously bad that I couldn't bear for anyone to see it. It's still terrible, I don't tie my hair up to go out, which means I have to spend time doing my hair which is impractical for day to day life.
I guess what I really want to say is why me? I just want to have normal skin, not have to worry about which cream is for this, or whether people can notice it, or when it is going to disappear - I know everyone feels like that but it's just so frustrating.

Vent over. I think.
Thanks

I'm in my mid-30s and I've had eczema since birth. The best advice that I can give you looking back is to keep using your treatments. There is no cure and some days your skin will be better and some days it will be worse, but the best thing you can do is use the treatments. However, especially with eczema and psoriasis, treatments are not a once size fits all sort of thing. You are clearly unhappy with the results, which is more than understandable. Try again and be honest with your doctors. Talk to them about your expectations and ask them about their expectations. It will help you get a clearer picture of what kind of improvement you can expect in your case. More importantly, it will help you come to terms with it.

At your age, I kept my hair quite long, specifically so I could use it hide my face. So, I understand that completely. Having hair that requires constant styling, I know the aggravation of that, too. While, I could tell you to be brave and wear your hair back, I won't. There will come a day when you're comfortable with it, but maybe it's not today. So, my advice is to find other ways to deal with. Maybe that means wearing pretty scarves (silk or cotton) or discovering a style that works for you. If you get your hair cut by a stylist, don't be afraid to discuss your concerns with them.

The older I get the more I realize that I see my flaws more than anyone else. I don't know that I can ever change that, but it's nice to know that when other people see me, they don't see the rashes and scars. They really just see me.

I got on this forum to see if I could help. I had eczema for years and would have to go to school with my hands and arms wrapped in saran wrap and elastic bandages. f I did not wear them my hands would crack and bleed and itch like crazy. The social impact is huge. Love, Tara