Eczema Sufferer

Eczema is best described as an inflammation of the upper layers of the skin. I personally suffer from it, but my case is not severe. With the right "hydrocortisone" cream, I can usually hide the signs of even having it. Unfortunately I have been cursed with having the problem on my face, basically in the "T" zone area. I never showed signs of "Eczema" until I reached 19 or 20. I would have big red blotches that itched like crazy. I would avoid doing social engagements, due to my form of disfigurement. I didn't always have outbreaks, some days my face would be as clear as the next guy's and some days not. Over the years I had wasted a lot of time, money and especially patients, on several different medications, which never worked. In fact a lot of the stuff I tried made it worse, even though they said it was made for "Eczema". But I'm not writing this to bad mouth companies, because what is the point.

My way of masking the problem was to just wear a baseball cap. It wasn't the best thing, but it helped a little. I remember having a job in retail for awhile and we weren't allowed to wear hats, so needless to say, when I had a flare up, I would call in sick. I had lost many jobs due to being "sick", but in my mind I really was sick. It really felt like a sickness to me.

For a couple years now I have been "Hydrocortisone" cream (which I mention earlier). It has been like a miracle cream for me. The one I use can be bought at Shopper Drug Mart and Wal-Mart, and I'm sure many other places. It comes in a little blue box and a green one. I prefer the blue one, because it can be rubbed into the skin and is no longer visible, whereas the green one is more of an ointment, so it leaves a greasy, shiny look.

I am happy knowing I can control my "Eczema" for the most part, but it still prevents me from going swimming. Whenever I get my face wet the problem returns immediately, and is quite embarrassing for me, to say the least. If anyone has ideas on how to go swimming and not have an image problem, please let me know. Bye for now!!