Eczema is a skin condition that causes intense itching and inflamed skin. It is also known as Atopic Dermatitis, it usually appears as a rash on the skin, on the arms and at the back of the knees but can be spread and appear anywhere on the body. This skin condition can be moderate but can become severe for some. The pain, psychological effects and embarrassment are often not spoken about. 

Many people don’t understand the trauma having eczema or a skin condition caused. Especially ones that cause intense itching and burning. Imagine not being able to scratch an itch and trying to tell yourself it’s all in your head but you physically feel it and when you finally do scratch you basically can’t stop. You know you’ll end up regretting it because you have just made it entirely worse. Scratching causes spreading and flare-ups lasting much longer, but not scratching?  It is almost humanly impossible. Your skin may start to bleed but that doesn’t mean the end of the flare-up, it continues and the pain becomes so bad you can barely touch your skin, and unfortunately, the itch just does not go away. Then imagine not being able to sleep at all because you’re just in so much pain and every move you make feels like your entire body is on fire.

The psychological effects are just as bad, especially as a child in school, the embarrassment you feel as you wear long sleeves on the hottest summer’s day while making sure to skip school on swimming days. The constant hiding in fear someone will see your skin is traumatic, this is why more people need to be taught kindness and be educated on how to react to those different from them. One should not feel so ashamed in their own body, it’s a vicious tormenting cycle that can be broken with better education on our side 

There is currently no cure for Atopic Dermatitis, but there a few products and tricks which help slow down spreading and flare-ups. Make sure to keep those parts of your skin cool, use fragrance-free and hypoallergic body wash. Eucerin Eczema relief is one of the most effective lotions when it comes to stopping itching and clearing up the skin. Also, be sure to seek medical advice from your doctor to find out if anything may be triggering flare-ups. There still needs to be a lot more research done so an actual solution can be found. People are mentally suffering in silence if you cannot relate do not hate.