Emotional Strategies for Coping with Eczema

[Julia]

So, does anyone have any startegies for coping with chronic adult eczema.

I pretty much suck at this. When I have a flare I get angry and sad and just want to hide in the house applying emollients and not seeing anyone.

I totally need a better way of accepting and coping. If anyone knows of any techniques / books then that'd be great.

Thanks

[JoshAinsworth96]

Hey Julia,

I'm josh, being male and 18 with eczema all over and rating hormones has resulted in several dented doors and walls haha,

Whilst I'm terrible at "coping" I do try writing down positive things about how you look (eczema aside)

Talking to someone in similar circumstances who can sympathise also helps

Josh

[nyssabird]

Hey people,
I'm also having a terrible time dealing with emotions related to looking like an inflamed baboon's butt! I know that stress is probably one of the least helpful things for a condition like ours, but I just can't seem to stop myself from feeling depressed and trapped when out in public. Having people constantly comment or stare gets old and frustrating--being 21 and a full time student and a part-time employee at a retail store I feel like i'm constantly in the public eye being judged. It's hard to want to get out of bed in the morning when I know what i'll have to face when I look in the mirror.
I feel ya'll. This blows.

[Marcie Mom]

I'm a mom of eczema kid, but with no eczema myself - so direct experience but from the support group I facilitate and what other bloggers share on my eczema blog, the appearance part of eczema can really take a toll. One parent remarked his son rarely stand/walk straight.. Joining a support group, getting a good doctor/treatment and seeing skin improvements may help, don't neglect exercise and a good diet, these boost confidence and immunity, eczema/not

Hugs,
Mei