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I have had eczema since I was a little girl, but it was neverterribly debilitating. I had some scratches on my neck, arms, and legs, but I never thought too much of it. And I was lucky to haveclear skin on my face. Other thana pimple here or there, my complexion was generally even and bright, andI neverneeded to use foundation. <\/p>\n
That all changed this past May.Perhaps triggered by acombination ofpoor diet and taking too many medications, my eczema finally reared its ugly head in full force. Despite never having hadfacial eczemabefore, I started experiencing symptoms around my eyeswithin the next few months, it would consume my entire face, neck, arms, and upper legs.I ended up visiting countless doctors, starting a clean diet, and buying every product out there that claimed to be eczemas miracle cure. <\/p>\n
I wish I could tell you that Im now free of eczema symptoms, butIhave a long ways to go. My face is still bright red, raw, and itchy. My legs and neck have inflammation, and I struggle to wake up every day feeling happy and healthy. <\/p>\n
Did myskin issues make me feel down about myself at times? Sure. But succumbing to that way of thinking only made memore depressed.What has helped: understanding that my struggle with eczema is actually key to appreciating my life even more. Here, five ways the skin condition has helped me gain perspective and live a more fulfilling life. <\/p>\n
RELATED: 9 Things You Should Never Do If You Have Eczema <\/p>\n
1. I care less about looks. In the past, I couldn'tleave the house without eye makeup.In fact, I cant remember a time when I was able to confidently go outside without my trusty eyeliner. Now? I truly feel beautiful without makeup. Even when my facial eczema completely clearswhich I know it willI plan on wearing a lot less makeup than I used to. Im finally comfortable in my own skin. <\/p>\n
2. In a strange way, I've become more confident. During my worst flares, when my face was red and sore, I found that I actually felt empowered. Sure, I cried and felt ugly at first. But I foundstrength from within to muster up thecourage to continue my day. Once that happened, I felt like I could take on anything. <\/p>\n
3. Ibecame more empathetic. As clich as it might sound, I've realizedthat everyone is fighting their own battle. Sure, mine might be more noticeable, but I've become moreunderstanding that no one's life is all peaches and sunshine. <\/p>\n
4. I focus more on health. I admittedly used to eat way too many cookies, cake, friesyou name it. As a result,I was constantly fatigued, no matter how many hours of sleep I got. Sinceimproving my diet by cutting out unnecessary sugarand consuming more leafy greens,I feel more alive. Another plus? I lost 10 pounds. <\/p>\n
5. Iknow whos there for me. I didn'talways handle my eczema wellI avoided seeing people, I worked from home, and I didn'twant to look my boyfriend in the eye. But the experience has helped me realizewho truly loves me for me. My boyfriend, for example, continues to tell me Im beautiful every day. So whatif other people want to make comments or stare? They dont matter. <\/p>\n
Have eczema, psoriasis, acne, or another conditionmessing with your confidence? Know that youre so much more than your skin, and you cant let it tell you how worthy you are. Do I still struggle with myself? Of course. But I now know that it willalways get better. <\/p>\n
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Read more: This writer is part of Health.com's contributor network. Learn more about the contributor network andhow to join. I have had eczema since I was a little girl, but it was neverterribly debilitating Continue reading
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