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My confessional: Ashley S., atopic dermatitis

Updated on October 23, 2024

Pharmacist Ashley S. does not let atopic dermatitis define her life.

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Transcript

00:00
I think that the more I talk about it, the more I share, the more I realize just how common eczema is
00:08
and just how comforting it is when you're talking to other people that really do know exactly what you're going through.
00:15
I'm Ashley S, and this is my confessional.
00:21
So I am a pharmacist living in Tennessee. I was diagnosed with eczema as a baby.
00:28
My earliest treatments were home therapies initially and prescription medication as well,
00:35
but when you're that young, it's a lot harder to treat with the types of medications that I use now.
00:42
My lowest point was when I lived in Arizona. There were days where I would touch my face
00:50
or any part of my body and the skin would flake off, and those were some really painful days to just making it
00:57
through day to day in the heat. The pivotal moment in my battle with eczema really just came recently, but just
01:05
in the last couple of years, I realize that it doesn't define me. Now I find relief with a consistent skincare routine
01:15
and just really staying hydrated and listening to my body listening to what my skin is telling me
01:22
and you being proactive about treating it. What brings joy to my life? I love sailing.
01:30
I competed in sail racing on Lake Michigan for a few years and absolutely loved it.
01:37
I have two wonderful dogs that are spoiled rotten. And I'm a pharmacist by career, and I
01:45
found I love sharing a business that I have on the side with skincare and makeup because I love being able to share
01:51
and empower other women. The advice they would give to others with eczema is that it is going to be hard some days.
02:00
If you allow yourself grace to really try to understand the best way to treat the type of eczema that you have, then you will get to that point
02:08
of freedom from it sooner. So just listen to yourself. Listen to your doctors and do what feels right
02:16
and pay attention because you can avoid some of those triggers. You can avoid those flares. But it will be up and down, and that's OK.

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