The Hidden Battles: Living with Eczema and the Strength of Resilience
May 17, 2025, 5:13 am
Eczema is a silent storm. It rages beneath the skin, a constant reminder of vulnerability. For many, including myself, it’s a lifelong companion. It whispers doubts and shouts frustrations. Yet, within this struggle lies a profound lesson: resilience.
My journey with eczema began at 16. It started as a small patch around my eyes, a mere nuisance. But as I grew, so did the condition. Atopic dermatitis crept into the crooks of my elbows, behind my knees, and other hidden corners of my body. Each flare-up felt like a betrayal. I could do anything, I thought. But eczema taught me a harsh truth: just because I can, doesn’t mean I should.
In April 2023, I embarked on my first snowboarding trip. The thrill of the slopes beckoned. But the dry air, a known enemy, loomed large. I ignored the warnings. I was determined to enjoy life. However, the aftermath was brutal. I returned to Singapore, drained and depleted. My skin rebelled, and I spent days in recovery, hibernating from the world.
Eczema is not just a skin condition; it’s a lifestyle. In Singapore, it affects one in five children and one in ten adults. I am one of many. Each flare-up feels like a wave crashing over me, pulling me under. Healing takes longer now. The blisters on my hands are a new torment. Simple tasks morph into Herculean challenges. Tying shoelaces becomes a battle. Cooking turns into a painful chore. Even washing my hands feels like torture.
Every day is a mental tug-of-war. I fight the urge to scratch, to give in to the itch. Sleep becomes a battleground. I wake up with guilt, exhausted from the struggle. The cycle of discomfort drains my energy. I once believed that pushing through was the answer. But that only led to burnout. Now, I tread carefully, conserving my strength.
Eczema is a heavy burden. It weighs on the mind as much as the body. The invisible load is often overlooked. Managing daily life becomes a chore. Grocery shopping transforms into a strategic mission. I seek pre-chopped ingredients to minimize contact with my hands. Cooking requires recipes that demand little prep. Exercise options are limited; I opt for standing workouts to spare my hands.
The financial strain is another layer of stress. Medical bills pile up, a constant worry. Yet, amidst the chaos, I find moments of clarity. I remind myself of my privileges. I have access to treatments and a supportive network. My loved ones step in, helping me navigate this journey. They pack extra food for me, cut fruits, and lend a hand when I falter.
Celebrating small victories becomes essential. I applaud myself for keeping my space clean. I acknowledge the effort it takes to work out, even when my body protests. Each task completed is a win. I learn to appreciate the little things, the moments of normalcy amidst the chaos.
In early 2025, I returned to the slopes for my second snowboarding trip. The experience was painful, yet enlightening. The dry air exacerbated my condition. Showers became unbearable, and frustration bubbled over. But I don’t regret it. I learned to listen to my body. I discovered the importance of prioritizing my well-being over fleeting thrills.
Eczema is a teacher. It imparts lessons in patience and self-care. I’ve learned to set boundaries, to say no when necessary. It’s a delicate balance between ambition and self-preservation. The world often glorifies productivity, but I’ve come to understand that my health is paramount.
I am not alone in this fight. Many others share similar battles. Their stories echo my own. The mental and emotional toll of chronic conditions is often invisible. Yet, we are warriors in our own right. We navigate life’s challenges with grace and grit.
As I reflect on my journey, I realize that resilience is not just about enduring pain. It’s about embracing life, even with its limitations. It’s about finding joy in small victories and celebrating the strength it takes to face each day. Eczema may be a part of my story, but it does not define me. I am more than my skin. I am a testament to the power of perseverance.
In the end, life is a series of choices. I choose to celebrate my journey, to honor my struggles, and to embrace the lessons learned. Eczema may be a relentless companion, but it has also forged a path of resilience. I look forward to new experiences, armed with the knowledge that I can weather any storm. The future is bright, and I am ready to face it head-on.
My journey with eczema began at 16. It started as a small patch around my eyes, a mere nuisance. But as I grew, so did the condition. Atopic dermatitis crept into the crooks of my elbows, behind my knees, and other hidden corners of my body. Each flare-up felt like a betrayal. I could do anything, I thought. But eczema taught me a harsh truth: just because I can, doesn’t mean I should.
In April 2023, I embarked on my first snowboarding trip. The thrill of the slopes beckoned. But the dry air, a known enemy, loomed large. I ignored the warnings. I was determined to enjoy life. However, the aftermath was brutal. I returned to Singapore, drained and depleted. My skin rebelled, and I spent days in recovery, hibernating from the world.
Eczema is not just a skin condition; it’s a lifestyle. In Singapore, it affects one in five children and one in ten adults. I am one of many. Each flare-up feels like a wave crashing over me, pulling me under. Healing takes longer now. The blisters on my hands are a new torment. Simple tasks morph into Herculean challenges. Tying shoelaces becomes a battle. Cooking turns into a painful chore. Even washing my hands feels like torture.
Every day is a mental tug-of-war. I fight the urge to scratch, to give in to the itch. Sleep becomes a battleground. I wake up with guilt, exhausted from the struggle. The cycle of discomfort drains my energy. I once believed that pushing through was the answer. But that only led to burnout. Now, I tread carefully, conserving my strength.
Eczema is a heavy burden. It weighs on the mind as much as the body. The invisible load is often overlooked. Managing daily life becomes a chore. Grocery shopping transforms into a strategic mission. I seek pre-chopped ingredients to minimize contact with my hands. Cooking requires recipes that demand little prep. Exercise options are limited; I opt for standing workouts to spare my hands.
The financial strain is another layer of stress. Medical bills pile up, a constant worry. Yet, amidst the chaos, I find moments of clarity. I remind myself of my privileges. I have access to treatments and a supportive network. My loved ones step in, helping me navigate this journey. They pack extra food for me, cut fruits, and lend a hand when I falter.
Celebrating small victories becomes essential. I applaud myself for keeping my space clean. I acknowledge the effort it takes to work out, even when my body protests. Each task completed is a win. I learn to appreciate the little things, the moments of normalcy amidst the chaos.
In early 2025, I returned to the slopes for my second snowboarding trip. The experience was painful, yet enlightening. The dry air exacerbated my condition. Showers became unbearable, and frustration bubbled over. But I don’t regret it. I learned to listen to my body. I discovered the importance of prioritizing my well-being over fleeting thrills.
Eczema is a teacher. It imparts lessons in patience and self-care. I’ve learned to set boundaries, to say no when necessary. It’s a delicate balance between ambition and self-preservation. The world often glorifies productivity, but I’ve come to understand that my health is paramount.
I am not alone in this fight. Many others share similar battles. Their stories echo my own. The mental and emotional toll of chronic conditions is often invisible. Yet, we are warriors in our own right. We navigate life’s challenges with grace and grit.
As I reflect on my journey, I realize that resilience is not just about enduring pain. It’s about embracing life, even with its limitations. It’s about finding joy in small victories and celebrating the strength it takes to face each day. Eczema may be a part of my story, but it does not define me. I am more than my skin. I am a testament to the power of perseverance.
In the end, life is a series of choices. I choose to celebrate my journey, to honor my struggles, and to embrace the lessons learned. Eczema may be a relentless companion, but it has also forged a path of resilience. I look forward to new experiences, armed with the knowledge that I can weather any storm. The future is bright, and I am ready to face it head-on.