Eczema Fashion

Eczema killed my fashion sense. Ten years ago, if you told me I would run around town with no makeup and long sleeved shirts flipped inside out I would have been aghast. Now, when the crease of a clothing's seams can feel like itchy razor blades, I usually flip it inside out when possible. I also like to cover because I itch less when covered up. I also prefer crew necks since my chest is so sensitive that v-necks and scoops have necklines that fall too low and irritate me more. Plus, I don't exactly want to show off my bumpy red chest skin. Pants are a constant to my style, even though we frequently hit temperatures in the 100's here. Inside out cotton leggings feel like heaven!! It's no fun being the out of style frumpy girl when everyone is wearing cute dresses and shorts. I do get to wear skirts/dresses/shorts when I'm on serious corticosteroids but that might last a week. Still, I take advantage of those days, insisting on eating out, meeting up with friends and wearing jewelry that normally just irritates me. I practically dance in the street, arms extended smiling face to the heavens...and then by the next week it's back to the uglies. I was never an envious or coveting type of person growing up, in fact I'm usually happy just to see others happy and never get jealous. I can't say that so much nowadays, I am jealous of every single person I see, age, race, income, weight, etc. I wistfully watch people walking around wishing I had their beautiful beautiful beautiful skin. Everyone has beautiful skin, except me.

I also stay away from dark clothing, no black! I prefer white because the facial/chest/shoulder flaking can get out of hands some days. It looks like an explosion of dandruff even though my scalp has not been flaky lately. Not that face flakes are any less off putting.