Charlie B. recalls a challenging childhood of living with atopic dermatitis (AD), some teen years of remission, and then struggling again when her AD came back with a vengeance in her late teens. She told ESC: “I’ve had eczema for as long as I can remember to the exception of my early teen years where my skin went into temporary remission. However, in my late teens, I had a terrible, intense flare and had to seek care, but it was challenging to find a diagnosis as an adult as back then, it was mostly known as a childhood disease.”
Charlie’s AD has caused emotional impacts as well as physical health challenges related to itch, pain, and recurrent skin infections. She added: “Having severe eczema as an adult was like having a brand-new disease – I wasn’t prepared for the secondary infections. It was an immense struggle.”
Charlie has thankfully found support for her condition and has now funneled her energy and experiences to do good for the eczema community. She works with McGill University supporting their atopic dermatitis clinic, a revolutionary patient-focus dermatology clinic led by dermatologist Dr. Carolyn Jack. Charlie also volunteers with Eczema Quebec, a program she co-developed as an extension of the clinical program at McGill.
“I was committed to getting involved so that other patients wouldn’t have to go through the same struggles I did. My experience with Eczema Quebec and the clinical program at McGill has given me a lot of hope – there are new solutions coming down the pipeline. A few years ago, that wasn’t the case – there was nothing, especially for adult patients with severe AD.”
Charlie’s advice for sufferers? “My message to other sufferers is that there are opportunities to share your experiences. You can make a difference. By raising your voice, you can help the government understand the needs of our community and help bring change.”
On behalf of ESC, we thank each and every person who shares their stories as a way to build community, give support, and make others feel better and more confident in their skin. Want to share your story?
Email us at info@eczemahelp.ca today.
September 2023
