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My Confessional: Ashley L., Atopic Dermatitis

Medically reviewed in November 2021

Ashley L. does not let atopic dermatitis hold her back from living life to the fullest.

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Transcript

00:00
[MUSIC PLAYING] ASHLEY L.: The advice that I would give to others with eczema is that you are so much more
00:07
than your eczema. You are-- sorry, I'm getting emotional.
00:15
I'm Ashley L., and this is my confessional.
00:22
I am 29 years old from New Jersey. I was diagnosed with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis, also
00:30
known as eczema, at a very young age, maybe about two months old. My eczema was up and down throughout
00:37
my whole entire life. My lowest point happened in 2014. And my body was experiencing one of the biggest
00:46
flareups I've ever experienced in my adult life. Eczema doesn't just affect my body physically.
00:54
It affects it mentally and psychologically. What I do now to find relief is I really focus on these internal mental healing practices,
01:03
like meditating and journaling, doing yoga anything that really brings me calm and peace.
01:11
My diet has changed significantly over the period of my life. The foods that are always going to be stocked in my pantry
01:18
is fruits, nuts, and my protein shakes. Exercise has had a significant influence
01:25
in managing my eczema. Even when I am flaring up, I'll still make it to the gym
01:32
because I know afterwards I'll just feel so much better. What I do to find relief in my medicine cabinet
01:39
is apply these high-quality creams that really support me in managing my skin.
01:46
What makes me more than my condition is just who I am outside of my condition. I am a joyful being.
01:55
I love laughing and just really growing and learning about who I am and just doing my best to get the most out
02:05
of this life. You are so much greater than your eczema. You are a human being who can live and can enjoy life
02:15
to the fullest, aside from having your eczema. Eczema is just part of who you are.
02:21
It is not who you are. [MUSIC PLAYING]

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