Karma & Chaos with Kail Lowry & Becky Hayter

Episode: FOR THE HAYTERS S2E1 - Eczema: Having Thick Skin
Release Date: January 13, 2025
Host/Author: PodcastOne

Introduction

In the inaugural episode of Season 2, titled "Eczema: Having Thick Skin," hosts Kail Lowry and Becky Hayter delve into the challenging and often misunderstood journey of managing severe eczema. This episode features a heartfelt conversation with Fatima, a nurse battling chronic eczema and its debilitating effects on both her physical and emotional well-being. Through candid discussions, Fatima shares her personal struggles, treatment battles, and the profound impact of community support.

Guest Introduction: Fatima [01:01]

Becky warmly welcomes Fatima to the podcast, highlighting her as a special guest who is new to the podcasting scene. Fatima introduces herself, revealing her 31 years of age and setting the stage for an in-depth exploration of her eczema journey.

Fatima [02:08]: "So basically it's a skin condition where it's, you know, characterized by like red patches, dry patches. It's just constant itching."

Fatima’s Early Struggles with Eczema [02:07]

Fatima recounts her early years, beginning in childhood when her mother first noticed eczema on her skin. The condition became severe by the time she was in kindergarten, covering her body from head to toe.

Fatima [02:20]: "I was always red and, like, dry all the time. I remember waking up in the middle of the night scratching all the time."

Pregnancy and Eczema Flare-Up [04:17]

Upon becoming pregnant with her son, Fatima experienced a significant resurgence of eczema symptoms, exacerbated by a beer allergy. Her condition intensified during pregnancy, leading to sleepless nights and increasing discomfort.

Fatima [04:49]: "I was up all night scratching. It got to a point where, like, it was really interfering with like, my sleep."

Treatment Attempts and Topical Steroid Withdrawal [06:00 - 07:02]

Fatima details her arduous journey through various treatments prescribed by her dermatologist, including topical and oral steroids, injections, and antifungals. Despite these efforts, her eczema persisted and even worsened over time.

Fatima [07:02]: "We tried oral steroids. And the oral steroids kind of worked... but as soon as I started coming off that steroid dose pack, the patches would come back in the same spots again."

Emotional Impact and Mental Health [22:40 - 25:35]

The conversation shifts to the emotional toll of chronic eczema. Fatima opens up about feelings of isolation, depression, and the constant battle with self-esteem. She emphasizes how little support she felt despite having a supportive husband and mother.

Fatima [22:45]: "I just felt really alone and, like, borderline depressed. If I didn't have my son, I probably would have laid in bed all day and just cried."

The Role of Social Media and Community Support [25:35 - 37:53]

Discovering the topical steroid withdrawal (TSW) community on Instagram becomes a pivotal moment for Fatima. Connecting with others who share similar struggles provides her with hope, encouragement, and a sense of belonging.

Fatima [27:33]: "The amount of support the community has, the topical steroid withdrawal community on Instagram, like, it's insane. I'll post one picture, and everyone's like, you got this."

Self-Esteem and Personal Growth [43:03 - 55:40]

Through persistent positivity and embracing her journey, Fatima experiences significant personal growth. She learns to appreciate herself, improves her self-esteem, and gains a renewed sense of confidence despite ongoing flare-ups.

Fatima [43:03]: "I'm happy with this and I'm okay. Life is good. Despite everything I've gone through, I know I'm gonna get better."

Advice and Final Thoughts [59:01 - 60:14]

In her closing remarks, Fatima urges listeners to advocate for themselves, seek support, and embrace self-love. She highlights the importance of community and the transformative power of sharing one's story.

Fatima [59:02]: "Just be more positive. And, you know, I don't think I ever would have done anything to myself, but I don't think I would have been here mentally. I would have been still lost and confused had I not reached out."

Key Takeaways

• Chronic Eczema Struggles: Fatima's journey underscores the relentless challenges of managing severe eczema and the often limited effectiveness of conventional treatments.
• Emotional Toll: Beyond physical discomfort, eczema can lead to significant emotional distress, including depression and low self-esteem.
• Community Support: Social media communities, like the TSW group on Instagram, play a crucial role in providing support, understanding, and hope for individuals facing similar struggles.
• Personal Growth: Embracing positivity and self-love can lead to profound personal transformations, even amidst ongoing health battles.
• Advocacy: Sharing personal stories can not only aid in personal healing but also help raise awareness and foster supportive communities.

Notable Quotes

• Fatima on Isolation:

  "I just felt really alone and, like, borderline depressed." [22:45]

• Fatima on Community Support:

  "The amount of support the community has... is insane." [27:33]

• Fatima on Self-Love:

  "Just love yourself and just, you know, be yourself." [59:02]

• Becky on Positive Choices:

  "Whatever you're going through, it is a choice to change the way that you see it." [54:21]

Conclusion

"FOR THE HAYTERS S2E1 - Eczema: Having Thick Skin" offers a deeply personal and enlightening exploration of living with chronic eczema. Through Fatima's story, listeners gain insight into the physical and emotional challenges of the condition, the complexities of treatment options, and the undeniable power of community and self-advocacy. This episode serves as both a source of comfort for those experiencing similar struggles and an educational piece for those seeking to understand the multifaceted impact of eczema.

Note: For a visual representation of Fatima's journey and to connect with the TSW community, listeners are encouraged to visit her Instagram account, which she credits as pivotal in her healing process.