Amalie is 26 years old and is currently studying to become a chiropractor. She also suffers from severe eczema.

Amalie has had eczema since early childhood, but it was not until she turned 22 that she was diagnosed with severe atopic dermatitis (AD Before her diagnosis, Amalie’s eczema spread rapidly from her face to her neck, scalp, and other parts of her body, greatly impacting Amalie’s quality of life.

For Amalie, the itching and burning sensations were incessant, and led to restless nights while disrupting her studies. Despite knowing she should not, Amalie often found the itch so torturous that she would scratch day and night until her skin broke. Even simple movements would stretch and crack her inflamed skin, and she could not sleep or concentrate due to the itch. Amalie refrained from participating in physical activities, as these would only worsen the itch and scratching. Eczema has therefore not only affected Amalie physically, but also mentally. During her worst eczema flares, Amalie felt depressed and withdrew herself from social activities, covering herself with hats, masks, and scarves to hide her marred appearance. Treating herself with thick ointments did not make it any better, as Amalie felt she resembled a “living disco ball” due to her shiny skin.

Today, Amalie has started a new systemic treatment which has reduced her itch allowing her to sleep, heal her skin, and participate more fully in life. However, Amalie still experiences monthly flare-ups. Amalie finds that accepting her diagnosis allows her to be more open with those around her about living with a chronic disease. She keeps her spirits high and looks to the future, but still worries about having to discontinue her treatment if she decides to have children one day.

“Atopic dermatitis affects my life both physically and mentally. For me, accepting that I have a chronic disease and that the itch will always be there, continues to be a long process.”