true life: I have eczema

I have had eczema since I was a baby and countless prescription creams later (applied every day), the eczema that covers my ankles is still there. It's gross, embarrassing, and worst of all -- itchy. 

The solution seems so simple. People tell me all the time, people who don't have eczema, "don't itch and it'll go away." It's not that simple. It's not an itching like a mosquito bite that is on the surface of the skin, it's deep under my skin and lasts for hours. If I don't itch it makes my skin crawl because it's such an uncomfortable sensation. 

The itchy reality

I hate despise when my eczema is visible. Kids are brutally honest and the little swimmers I used to coach always asked me what's wrong with my feet; adults do it too. It doesn't seem like a huge issue to be self-conscious about, but I am. Sure, the issue is exaggerated in my mind, but don't all physical issues seem worse to ourselves than anyone else? It's not a secret that nobody is perfect, yet we're all guilty of focusing on our imperfections. 

Eczema is just one of my physical imperfections. Even Miranda Kerr has physical imperfections (I think?), so we should all have more self lovin' and not focus on trivial things no one else notices!

"Beauty, to me, is being comfortable in your own skin." -Gwyneth Paltrow