At 18 years old, Matt from Londonderry, New Hampshire, is thriving in his freshman year of college, confident and active despite living with chronic eczema. However, his journey to self-assurance wasn’t always smooth.
Matt has struggled with severe atopic dermatitis, the most common form of eczema, for much of his life. Growing up, his skin condition often made him feel isolated and self-conscious. In an interview with the National Eczema Association (NEA), Matt shared how close friendships and his involvement in sports helped him build confidence and change his perspective on life.
The Struggles of Childhood with Eczema
Reflecting on his childhood, Matt admitted that his eczema made him feel burdened by insecurity. “It felt difficult to make friends because I was so self-conscious about my skin,” he said. “I didn’t know if others would be judgmental.” His fear of being judged often kept him from interacting with peers, and he remembers feeling lonely at times.
Learning to Explain Eczema
Over time, Matt learned to explain his condition to others. “I’d tell people, ‘I have eczema. It’s like poison ivy, but it’s not contagious. It affects only me,’” he shared. Despite the commonality of eczema, Matt’s condition affected his entire body, making him feel different from others who only experienced it on smaller areas like their hands or elbows.
Sports as a Confidence Booster
Playing hockey, a sport Matt has been passionate about for years, served as an outlet and a way to connect with others. “Since my whole body was covered in gear, I felt more confident going up to people on the ice and talking with them,” he explained. While Matt still felt reserved off the ice, his interactions with teammates during practice made it easier to form friendships.
“I wouldn’t approach people off the ice, but once I made the team, we’d hang out and play video games. It became easier to make more friends through those close companions,” he added. His teammates were accepting of his condition, and their support played a key role in boosting his confidence.
Gaining Confidence through Acceptance
Matt’s friendships helped him realize that true friends don’t care about his skin condition. “They didn’t judge me for needing to take extra time to apply moisturizing lotion, and they understood when I needed to sit out of an activity,” he said. This acceptance, coupled with his own maturation, helped Matt feel more comfortable in social situations.
Becoming an Advocate
As Matt gained confidence, he became an advocate for those with eczema. His efforts included encouraging the New Hampshire House of Representatives to recognize Eczema Awareness Month. Reflecting on the experience, Matt recalled feeling emotional as he spoke at the state house. “A few representatives came up to me after my speech, sharing their own eczema stories. It made me realize I’m not alone in this,” he said.
Advice for Others Struggling with Eczema
Now, as someone who has overcome many of the challenges eczema presented in his youth, Matt has a message for others. “For younger kids struggling with eczema, there is hope,” he emphasized. “It does get better, and with the right tools and support, you can learn to live with your eczema in a way that doesn’t define you.”
Matt’s advice to others is simple: find a group of people who share your interests, whether through sports, theater, or other hobbies. “True friends will understand and accept what you’re going through,” he said. “Get out of your comfort zone and connect with others—it will make a big difference.”
With the support of his friends, Matt has transformed his experience with eczema from a source of insecurity to a story of resilience and growth. Today, he is not only confident but also an advocate for those facing similar challenges.
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