ESC invited Safin, a third-year medical student in Montreal, Quebec, to share his story of growing up with severe eczema. A long-time volunteer at ESC, Safin inspires hope for other eczema sufferers by helping them to navigate their own eczema journey with dignity and a positive outlook.
“It was a difficult time for my parents.“
“My eczema started when I was around six months old. I also had a lot of allergies. It was a difficult time for my parents; my eczema was all over my body, and I experienced a lot of infections. My parents would have to bring me to the hospital often.
When I was in primary school, I used to play soccer and sweat would trigger my eczema. In high school, my eczema had a significant impact on me. I couldn’t swim, go to gym class, or do some sports because of the uniform so I felt a bit excluded. Some of the kids were scared because they thought it was contagious. It was hard on my morale, but I was lucky that I had a few friends who understood and were very supportive.
“I couldn’t sleep well at night, and I was so tired.”
My eczema also impacted my studies. I couldn’t sleep well at night, and I was so tired. I couldn’t sit in a chair too long because of my itching, but if I skipped school, there was more homework. Talking to my teachers helped, but it was a really difficult time for me.
In university, it was a bit better. I still had severe eczema, but I was managing with creams. Before starting medical school, I began biological treatment, and my eczema went away completely.
“ESC gave me a way to connect with other people who have eczema.”
There are a few things I wish people knew about eczema. First, it’s not contagious! When I shower, I have to put cream on, and then I can’t put on clothes because I’m all sticky. I have to sit and wait for a long time. I also can’t go in the sun. Then, there’s the mental health part that comes with it. If I can’t sleep at night, I get tired and then I become stuck in a vicious cycle.
My dermatologist helped me find the Eczema Society of Canada and I became a volunteer. I really liked how ESC gave me a way to connect with other people who have eczema. It was reassuring to talk to someone who actually understood the scratching, the sleepless nights, and the uncomfortable cream application. It was a great morale booster and good for my overall mental health to connect with other people who share the same reality as me.
“It would be wonderful if everyone in Canada had the same access to treatment.”
When I am a physician, I will try to understand my eczema patients in a holistic way and tailor their treatment depending on their needs. I was lucky with my own physician who really understood treating eczema, but that’s not the case for everyone.
My message to someone with eczema is to really emphasize how important it is to get support and talk with people. Don’t let eczema keep you from doing the things you like.”
ESC sincerely thanks Safin for sharing his 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
