The Beginning
I've lived with eczema all of my life. Yes, since I was just a baby. But, my journey really ramped into high gear when I turn 18 and went off to University. What started as occasional dry patches quickly escalated into a condition that affected every aspect of my daily life. The itching was relentless, sleep became elusive, and the visible symptoms made me self-conscious in ways I never anticipated.
My intent with these photos is not to scare you, but to be authentic, vulnerable, and to build trust. These are real photos of me throughout the last 14 years of my life.
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At first, I tried everything the doctors recommended—topical creams, steroids, antihistamines. Some provided temporary relief, but nothing seemed to address the root cause. The cycle of flare-ups and remissions was exhausting, both physically and emotionally.
Discovering Triggers
There were two turning points in my journey.
- 1. When I completed an elimination diet and discovered my dietary triggers
- 2. When I discovered that eczema has more to do with the mind than the body.
Aside from food, my triggers range from dust and weather, to stress and my environment.
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Through months of careful observation, patterns began to emerge. Certain foods triggered flare-ups. Stress was a major factor. Even seemingly harmless products like laundry detergent or fabric softener could cause significant reactions. The realization that eczema was deeply connected to my environment and lifestyle was both overwhelming and empowering.
I learned that eczema isn't just a skin condition—it's a complex interaction between genetics, environment, immune system, and lifestyle. Understanding this helped me develop a more holistic approach to management.
Finding What Works
The most important thing that I did, was cultivate a mindset that allowed me to live in my own skin. I practiced radical gratitude and acceptance for my circumstances. I began to see my eczema as a gift, despite the amount of pain and suffering it was causing me. This shift in mindset made all the difference, and allowed me to more rapidly make lifestyle changes that accelerated my healing. First my mind changed, then my body followed.
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With regard to accelerating my healing, some of the most effective strategies included:
- Identifying and eliminating specific food triggers through elimination diets
- Switching to fragrance-free, hypoallergenic products for everything from soap to laundry
- Implementing a consistent skincare routine that focused on barrier repair
- Managing stress through meditation, exercise, and minset modulation
- Understanding the role of gut health and inflammation
- Learning to recognize early warning signs of flare-ups
I curate and maintain a list of products that I personalize use and have benefitted from in the past. I'll never recommend you something that I haven't personally used myself.
The key was patience and persistence. What worked for me might not work for everyone, but the process of discovery itself was valuable. Each person's eczema is unique, and finding your own path requires experimentation and self-awareness.
Where I Am Now
Today, my eczema is much more manageable. While I still have flare-ups, they're less frequent and less severe. More importantly, I've learned to recognize triggers early and respond proactively. The condition no longer controls my life the way it once did.
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This journey has taught me resilience, patience, and the importance of listening to my body. It's also shown me how isolating eczema can be, and how valuable it is to share experiences with others who may or may not understand.
My Daughter's Journey
As if managing my own eczema wasn't challenging enough, watching my daughter develop the same condition was one of the most difficult experiences I've faced. Seeing someone you love struggle with the same pain, itching, and discomfort—especially when they're too young to fully understand what's happening—adds an entirely different layer to this journey.
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Her eczema presented differently than mine, with its own unique triggers and patterns. But the lessons I'd learned from managing my own condition gave me a solid foundation to help her. My wife and I work together to identify her triggers, adjust her environment, and find treatments that worked for her specific needs. Every single day is a challenge, but being able to apply what I'd learned made a significant difference in her quality of life.
This experience has reinforced for me how important it is to share knowledge and support with others facing eczema, especially parents navigating this condition with their children. Every person's eczema is different, but there's value in understanding the patterns, strategies, and approaches that have helped others.
Why I'm Sharing My Story
I'm sharing my story because I know how isolating eczema can feel. When you're struggling with severe symptoms, it can seem like no one understands what you're going through. I want others to know they're not alone.
I'm also writing a book that will go deeper into my journey, the strategies that worked for me, and the lessons I've learned along the way. It's not medical advice—I'm not a doctor—but it's a real, honest account of what living with and managing eczema has been like for me.
If you're struggling with eczema, I hope my story offers some hope and practical insights. And if you need someone to talk to, I offer personalized support consultations where we can discuss your specific situation.