Eczema Q&A: eczema is spreading everywhere!!!!

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Question:

I’ve had eczema for as long as I remember but it’s always been in specific areas (inner elbows, hands, wrists, neck). Over the last couple of months, my eczema has been traveling to places I’ve never had before. First, it started with behind my knees. Then I got a couple patches on my inner thigh. Then, my entire inner thigh was covered in eczema. Then, my entire thigh is covered in eczema. It has also spread further up my arm and towards my shoulder blades. I have random dry patches on my lower belly, my back, and chest. Turns out, there was mold growing in my room right next to my bed, which I have a severe allergy to. The room was cleaned and properly ventilated but I feel like my eczema has only gotten worse. I have no idea what to do. I’ve just been moisturizing regularly but I haven’t used any steroids because the eczema is covering such a large portion of my body. The only prescribed cream I use is Proptic, which I apply to only my eyelids and around my mouth. My dermatologist isn’t the greatest person ever either. He didn’t even take a single look at my skin and just prescribed me a stronger steroid. I waited over 6 months for the appointment btw 🥲I’m considering scheduling an appointment to see another allergist/dermatologist to see if I have any underlying issues or further health complications due to the mold exposure. Do you guys have any tips on what I can do in the meantime?

Answer:

Hey there, I'm sorry to hear you're going through such a tough time with your eczema. It sounds incredibly frustrating, especially after dealing with the mold situation. It might be interesting to explore how our emotions and unprocessed feelings contribute to physical symptoms like eczema. Sometimes, stress or unresolved conflicts can make our bodies react in unexpected ways. It doesn’t mean these feelings are the ‘cause’ but engaging with them might help.

It’s possible that your body could be reacting to unresolved stress or past emotional events. Maybe there’s something current in your life that’s hard to deal with, and your body is expressing it through your skin.

Here are a few questions you can reflect on to explore this:

1. Have there been any significant changes or stressors recently in your life?

2. Do you feel any emotional connections to the areas where your eczema is spreading?

3. When your eczema flares up, what’s typically on your mind or happening around you?

4. Could there be underlying worries or fears that haven't been fully addressed?

5. Are there any past events that still weigh heavily on you?

I hope you find some relief soon and that these reflections help in some way. Feel free to reach out if you want to chat more.