Unveiling the Truth: Insights on How Others Perceive My Eczema
Meet Alexis Smith, a 27-year-old solo traveler and Instagram influencer who embodies confidence despite her journey with eczema. As a regular ambassador in the eczema community, she has even designed a clothing line featuring the empowering slogan: “hot girls have eczema,” highlighting the message on one of her T-shirts.
It’s been a long journey to reach this point.
“Middle school was tough. Age 12 isn’t a fantastic time to have a rash covering your whole face,” Smith shared with Health.
Smith was diagnosed with atopic dermatitis, the most common form of eczema, when she was a pre-teen. Since then, she has gained invaluable insights into the importance of receiving and providing meaningful support in her community.
Key Lessons from Alexis Smith on Living with Eczema
Every experience shapes our understanding of a condition. Here are some important lessons that Smith has learned over the years:
- People’s Perceptions: “After all these years, I wish I knew that most people don’t actually care about my eczema, even if they come across as judgmental at first.”
- Education through Exposure: Smith encourages others to educate others about eczema, stating, “I realized that’s a chance to educate. I show people my skin now because the next time they meet someone with eczema, maybe it won’t be a big deal anymore.”
Changing Triggers
Over the years, triggers can evolve. Smith explains:
“The first trigger I remember was a necklace—it caused a rash on my neck that ultimately led to my atopic dermatitis diagnosis in middle school. However, sun exposure has become the biggest trigger for me over the last five years. A flare usually starts as a dry spot and gets worse from scratching. Surprisingly, moisturizers can sometimes aggravate the situation.”
Insights on Treatment
Smith shares her experience with treatments:
“I didn’t realize I was experiencing topical steroid withdrawal until the end of it. When you stop using a steroid cream you’ve relied on for years, your body reacts strongly. I knew it was time to stop because my medications weren’t effective anymore.”
She recounts an emotionally challenging visit to her dermatologist: “When I expressed my desire for change, he wagged his finger at me, accusing me of wanting ‘instant gratification.’ I left that appointment in tears, but my mom supported my decision not to return.”
Eventually, Smith began to self-treat with methods learned from her dad, a physical therapist. “He introduced me to red light therapy, which has been beneficial for healing. I even joined Planet Fitness just for their red light booths,” she explained. Now, she uses a red light wand and mask at home regularly.
Traveling with Eczema
Travel poses unique challenges for those with eczema:
“I have to pack an arsenal. I dislike overpacking, but I always take my flare-up essentials: my red light wand, coconut oil, my personal soap, and sometimes a full set of long-sleeve pajamas if I’m feeling irritated,” Smith advises.
She emphasizes the importance of materials, stating, “Tencel fabric has been a game-changer. Hotels using scented detergents or soaps can be particularly troublesome for my skin.”
Finding Support
Support is crucial during such journeys:
Smith says, “My mom has always been a pillar of support, but I wish I had discovered the online support community earlier.” She found this community in 2016 after creating an Instagram account to showcase her eczema.
“I was in a dark place during a significant flare from my topical steroid withdrawal. It was hard accepting that a condition was affecting me so deeply.”
Despite initial feelings of hypocrisy when advising others about confidence, the experience became empowering. “People started reaching out, telling me they wore shorts or tank tops for the first time because of my posts,” Smith shares, underscoring her unexpected influence.
Additionally, learning about the National Eczema Association significantly helped her: “Their website contains a wealth of research I hadn’t found elsewhere. They even reached out to me through Instagram, tagged me, and invited me to their annual expos.”
Through her experiences, Alexis Smith has not only navigated her journey with eczema but has also built a community that educates and inspires others.
