So, some of you may or may not know that I’ve always been sort of battling an incurable skin condition called eczema. Today after visiting the doctor after a long while of not visiting the doctor due to a flare-up, I gained a new insight on my condition and I think I understand it better now! I’ve actually had to deal with this ever since I was.. 13? Growing up with this also affected my self-esteem because of how bad it looks (but of course, I eventually learned to love myself just the way I am!) And I actually had the worst flare-up in many years this time round, ever since Monday. I’ve seen many doctors who gave me various advices and medication, but this is the first time a doctor told me exactly what it is~
He said that my immune system “has gone haywire” (direct quote), and it may have been passed onto me from my dad, but for his case, it’s extremely mild. Basically, my immune system thinks of my skin as a foreign object or an alien, and it attacks it. Hence the red spots, itchiness, dryness of the skin. There is an option of going for immune system suppression treatment.. but then, this also comes with many side effects: my immune system wouldn’t be able to protect me like normal because it’s down. So, that is only for people with extreme cases. But with the use of steroid cream applied to the really bad areas, it suppresses the immune system attack within that area~
This has actually been causing me to be unable to sleep well the past few nights this week, waking up and uncontrollably scratching because the itch is just unbearable, and making it hard to fall asleep >< I can’t even begin to describe how annoyingly painful it is! If you think you’re having a hard time coping with acne, this is probably ten times worse! During a flare-up, I have to avoid spending too much time under the hot sun, try not to sweat too much, avoid seafood and a really long list of food (quite hard for myself LOL), and I have to constantly moisturize my skin. My skin is in very terrible condition right now, red spots and scars all over my legs and arms (like sandflies bites kind of), and they’re going to become scars *cries* (that’s why I haven’t been wearing my normal shorts recently) but then well, there’s always creams and serums out there to help with that so I’m not too affected xD
So.. that’s something you may or may not know about me :P
But~ I’m thankful, even relieved! The doctor said that for some people, their immune system attacks the kidneys, leading to kidney failure and death.. and that it can be sort of a consolation for me that it’s just my skin. Sure, it causes a lot of inconvenience for myself, but I’m just thankful that it’s not other parts of my body! Thankful to be alive, to be healthy, and to be able to know that God loves me! & I’ll be OK soon~ for sure! ;D & I need to drink more water on a daily basis LOL~
