Simal’s story illuminates the many hurdles of navigating childhood eczema as a person of colour in rural Eastern Canada. Now, as a third-year medical student, she channels her past challenges into a focus on dermatology research, aspiring to empower individuals, particularly children, to feel valued and confident in their skin.
“I learned that things were easier said than done from an early age. “Don’t scratch” was a simple directive, but almost impossible – scratch that, it’s IMPOSSIBLE (pun intended).
My eczema did not just scar me physically but mentally as well. From enduring harsh insults and exclusions from playdates because others would say I’d spread “my disease” to the brooding stares at my arms and neck, the battle against eczema has been an incredibly exhausting yet ultimately rewarding journey.
My memory of enduring eczema stretches back to age four. I remember being wrapped in bandages and mittens to prevent scratching. But like Houdini, I’d find a way to escape, waking up with the mittens and bandages off and my nails covered with blood.
Living in a rural town in Eastern Canada, eight hours from the nearest dermatologist, posed challenges. I had countless physician, dermatologist and allergist appointments, various corticosteroids, and assurances that I would “grow out of it” by age ten years old. But while my birthday passed, my lesions did not.
Concerned for my well-being, my parents sought help from numerous medical professionals, and were told that I may need skin grafts if my eczema persisted. I was devastated by the news. I felt like it was my fault. If only I could resist the urge to scratch, I could change the trajectory mapped out by doctors. I felt angry, empty, and alone. I felt like no one understood me, especially physicians. It seemed as if they believed my eczema struggles were only surface-level, failing to see the deeper emotional and mental toll it took on me.
What was perhaps most damaging was realizing that as a person of colour, any healing lesions would often result in hyper or hypopigmentation. I felt further embarrassed as I could not even celebrate skin healing because I still looked “broken” and scarred.
At 26, I still struggle with eczema. Plaques on my arms have now spread to my wrists and my fingers. Though I am still conscious at times of how my skin looks due to the disparaging comments from childhood, I am proud of my eczema journey. I’m no longer the girl hiding in long sleeves and turtlenecks in the summer. I’m a third-year medical student conducting dermatological research, focusing on areas such as atopic dermatitis, Skin of Colour, and rural dermatology access. Through my endeavours, my hope is always that all individuals, especially children, feel valued and empowered in their skin.
I share this story because:
Words have an impact, influencing self-perception. Much of my pain stemmed from the mental duress inflicted by others’ words. Practicing kindness, open-mindedness, and a willingness to learn about unfamiliar experiences can make a significant impact.
Look for communities of support – no matter your age. I wish I had known about Eczema Society of Canada when I was younger. I felt most empowered when I was connected with other who had gone through similar battles of eczema.
Eczema taught me that our skin is a metaphor for our identity and that there is much more to us than simply the outside. Our skin tells a story, and I hope sharing my journey will inspire others to do the same.”
ESC sincerely thanks Simal for sharing her story. If you are struggling with eczema and need support, email ESC at info@eczemahelp.ca or connect with us through our social media channels.
February 2024
