Priscilla, a political science student at the University of British Columbia, recently reached out to ESC to share her story of living with eczema. A passionate advocate for health care reform, Priscilla wishes more people understood the burden of living with a complex disease like eczema.
“I thought my condition was normal.”
“I was diagnosed with eczema when I was three and thought my condition was normal. I don’t think I realized there was something different about me until middle school. In high school, my eczema was fairly well-controlled with no flare-ups. I was taking care of myself and being more mindful of it. I thought it was going to be fine.
“I knew that eczema was not recognized as a serious condition.”
I was doing great until my third year of university; I had the worst flare-up I’ve ever had as an adult. Everything was dry and red from my neck down. I would moisturize and have to sit there for hours while it dried. I was having trouble sleeping and I couldn’t leave the house. During exam time, the stress made my eczema flare up even more. I would email my professor and say I was throwing up all night because I knew that eczema was not recognized as a serious condition.
It was hard to find resources to help me. Then I came across the Eczema Society of Canada’s Accepted Products page where I found products I liked. As an eczema sufferer, you have to do a lot of your own research, and the Eczema Society of Canada gave me support when I really needed it.
I really wish people knew what it’s like at night when you’re scratching, and you can’t sleep. You can’t not itch. People assume eczema is just dry skin, but it’s a lot more. It’s a serious medical condition that has affected my mental health. I was ashamed of how I looked, and I didn’t want to be judged about it.
“Seeing a dermatologist is so difficult in BC – the process is so long.”
I’ve never requested a referral to an eczema specialist because appointments are hard to come by. Seeing a dermatologist is so difficult in BC – the process is so long. I’ve had terrible flare-ups with hives and had to go to the emergency room, but by the time I was seen, the hives would be gone. The healthcare system in BC is extremely slow. My experiences have made me an advocate for student healthcare.
I think it would benefit everyone suffering from eczema if the general public knew just how much eczema can affect your life and how debilitating it can be. Nowadays, I’m feeling a lot better; I’m more mindful of my health and of managing my stress levels. My best advice is to get out and do the things you enjoy. Wear what you want, go to the beach, spend time with friends… I’ve realized that the days I stay in bed, are the days I scratch the most.”
ESC sincerely thanks Priscilla for sharing her story. If you are struggling with eczema and need support, please contact us at info@eczemahelp.ca or visit us at eczemahelp.ca or on our social media channels.
August 2023
