Claudia Paasch

Having had eczema since birth has been a challenging journey, especially because no one else in my family shares this condition. Growing up in hot and humid Asian countries, my skin was often at its worst. This made me feel insecure about showing my arms and legs due to the visible effects of eczema, frequently affecting my self-esteem and making me less confident to try or do things that my peers were doing.

 

A turning point for me that made me really pay attention to my skin was when I developed a secondary infection on my scalp due to inflamed eczema, which led to swollen lymph nodes, fever, and other complications. Along with the stress during the peak of COVID-19 worsening my skin's condition, I was pushed to try Dupixent, an injection taken every two weeks for a few months. Although my skin was gradually improving, the high cost of the medication made it unsustainable for regular use. Additionally, due to other life complications, including moving overseas, I had to stop the treatment as I no longer had access to the drug. 

 

Since then, I've shifted my focus to experimenting and finding which creams work best for me. Over the years, I've learned to take care of my skin by experimenting with different moisturisers, steroid, and non-steroid creams. Ultimately, I understand that I am responsible for my own skin health and must invest the time and effort to care for my skin, as it is not something I can simply change or get rid of. Along the way, I've met people who share similar experiences, which has helped me embrace my skin, knowing I am not alone in this situation.

 

While there are still times when my eczema flares up, I have found ways to manage it effectively. I am so grateful for all the support that my doctors have provided, and I continue to receive their guidance to this day. Sharing my experience has helped me connect with others who can relate. My eczema is mostly manageable now, and although there are times when my skin can worsen, I am thankful for the strength and understanding I have gained over the years.