To launch National Eczema Week, we are proud to share Chloe’s story – a powerful reminder of the importance of being heard when it comes to living with eczema.
Living with eczema
“I’ve had eczema since birth, and at 34, it’s still a daily struggle. Throughout my life, eczema has been more than just a skin condition – it’s something that has affected me physically, emotionally, and socially. Living with eczema means dealing with constant pain, tiredness, and the emotional weight it carries. I have to think carefully about what clothes I wear and spend a lot of time managing medications and treatments. Sometimes I have to cancel plans because I’m too exhausted. There are good days and bad days – it’s unpredictable. You never know what you’re going to wake up looking like. One day your skin can feel calm, and the next it can hurt just to open your eyes or stretch your arms.”
“You never know what you’re going to wake up looking like. One day your skin can feel calm, and the next it can hurt just to open your eyes or stretch your arms.”
The impact of eczema
As a child, Chloe was hospitalised for a week, and just before Covid in 2020, she was hospitalised again. Eczema has weakened her immune system, leaving her more vulnerable to infections, including shingles and, more recently, viral meningitis.
The difference support can make
One of the things that has made a huge difference in Chloe’s journey is the support of her GP. She explains: “I feel truly listened to and understood in our appointments, which has been a lifeline through the hardest times with my eczema. Clear and open communication has given me the confidence to share my experiences honestly and feel that my voice matters. It’s why being prepared for appointments and having the space to talk openly is so important, and I’m incredibly thankful for the support I’ve received in managing my eczema.”
“I feel truly listened to and understood in our appointments, which has been a lifeline through the hardest times with my eczema.”
Looking forward
Today, Chloe is under the care of a specialist hospital team. Over the years, she has tried countless creams, biologics, and immune-suppressants, and she is due to start a new medication soon. She has also begun EMDR therapy for medical PTSD caused by her eczema journey and complications from earlier treatments. With the right combination of medical care, EMDR, and the support of the online eczema community, she is starting to feel life settle again. Despite everything, Chloe feels grateful for the love and support of her family and friends. Their encouragement has carried her through and helped her embrace a mindset of not letting eczema hold her back.
Achievements and giving back
Chloe has achieved incredible things – completing both undergraduate and master’s degrees, working as a social worker, staying active with dance and yoga, and even training for a marathon to raise funds for the National Eczema Society. She also gives back to others – first through Girlguiding, and now as a Scout volunteer. These opportunities have taken her around the world, despite the challenges of managing eczema and allergies while travelling.
Chloe’s message
Chloe’s words say it best: “Eczema is part of me, but it does not define me.”
As we begin National Eczema Week, Chloe’s story shows what’s possible when people with eczema are listened to and supported by healthcare professionals. Everyone deserves to feel heard. Our Be Prepared, Be Heard campaign is about helping more people in the eczema community prepare for appointments and feel confident to speak up – so their voices are truly heard.
