Ever since I was born, it was hard for me to look at myself as normal.
By Andrew Quiambao
Ever since I was born, it was hard for me to look at myself as normal with Atopic Dermatitis. With that said going to the doctor for the cream to calm my atopic dermatitis made me realize that steroids work but will eventually have side effects in the future.
When I was younger my mom would apply a ton of cream on my skin because my atopic dermatitis was terrible. I’ve been to a dermatologist and all they recommend was steroids or trying different lotions. While switching lotions worked, my skin became used to it and my eczema would still persist. In cooler weather, my skin becomes really dry causing me to moisturize every hour or so, but in warmer weather it makes me scratch a lot causing me to have cuts from scratching too hard.
My skin adapts to the seasons
The way this affects my work-life balance depends on the environment I’m in if the workspace is too cold I have to moisturize a lot and if the space is too hot I would need a fan beside me to cool me off. Living in Canada where the seasons change my skin adapts to the season as its peels off every time a new season starts which is great because the feeling of none dry skin is good but eventually it goes back to being the same. As of recently I’ve stopped using steroids to calm my atopic dermatitis but use it from time to time if it gets worst.
Trying to be confident in my own skin
Having this type of this skin problem has made me self-conscious about myself and how people see me when meeting them. But, I have no control of my skin and have been trying my utmost best to be confident in my own skin regardless of this problem.
Recently I’ve come to accept the fact that I can’t change my atopic dermatitis and the only thing that can help it is steroids or moisturizing frequently but I would love to know a way to help without using steroids.
Thank you!
Clinical Trial Hero would like to thank Andrew for taking the time to share his story.
Through stories we create connection and understanding – in relation to others, but also within ourselves. Clinical Trial Hero would like to share your story about your chronic illness in order to help others who may have only recently been diagnosed or simply need to know that they aren’t alone.
If you would like to share your story, please send an email to sandileanneserr@gmail.com with the subject line “My Story”. You are not alone. We get it!
Sign up for updates on more stories and upcoming clinical trials near you.