Scratching
I hate it when people say, 'Don't Scratch' - Melissa, Australia
I am a 43 year old female with 2 children who do not have eczema. I have had eczema since my mother stopped breast feeding me. My grandfather died of Asthma. I get really depressed about my disease sometimes and it's mainly the fact that it looks awful and there is a lot of ignorance about it. People that say Don't scratch, that would be the one I really can't stand. As if any individual wants to mutilate their body, have bleeding to deal with and of course the pain involved. As far as looking in the mirror, I have days where I just refuse to because I just can't deal with how I look. I am quite sure there are a lot of people with eczema that have low self esteem. The media make such a big deal about skin being perfect and society seems to be afraid of catching such a disease. I guess it's all relative because generally eczema is not life threatening so in a way I should feel lucky, but some days I just plainly feel sorry for myself.
Please, to parents out there who have children with eczema, don't tell them not to scratch, they really can't help it, I do it in my sleep, just try to help your child by asking what might help them, or cooling them down etc. I am hoping to hear from anyone else with eczema, thanks. (December 2011)
'The Eczema Solution' has stopped me scratching - ls de Guerin, Guernsey
I have had eczema all my life and am now free of it thanks to the programme for overcoming scratching as explained in the book 'The Eczema Solution' by S Armstrong Brown. I was fortunate to have visited the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital this summer where the strategy was explained and great encouragement given. The combination of steroid creams and anti scratching strategy has really worked. I still can't believe after all these years that learning how to stop scratching has brought such fantastic results. (September 2005) Contact Is de Guerin
Last Reviewed: 21 December 2012
Next Review Date: 4 October 2012
