Report this content as offensive or unsuitable

Emma Grace said on 19 July 2024

I'm 24 and have literally had eczema since I was a baby. It's always been quite bad but since I moved from Manchester to London a year ago, it's got worse. I honestly think that the hard water here has made it worse. I had to nag and nag and nag GPs' to refer me to a dermatologist...for some reason, they just don't like doing it and I don't know why. I used to go to my GP and literally sit there in tears and they still didn't refer me. One day I just went in and said "I've had enough, don't want any more steroids or creams, I want to see a dermatologist". I've had allergy tests for everything and I feel so much better. My eczema used to stop me doing so many things; it controlled my life and I was very depressed. Some things that help me are obviously, not using any perfumed cosmetics, no red food colourings, less spicy food and shellfish, using soap nuts to wash my clothes. Not having boiling hot showers and baths really helps too and I have anti-histamines every day and because it stops the itching. Also if you've got long nais, file them right down. I have to keep my nails as short as they'll go so that I can't scratch and break my skin. Steroids do help but they thin your skin so much, I'll only use them when I absolutely have to. Some of these stories on here are really sad and I hope you all find a way to deal with your eczema. My main piece of advice is to put your foot down with your GP. Just insist on seeing dermatologist; you have a right to.