As much as we’d all like to click our heels like Dorothy in “The Wizard of Oz,” chanting, “Please leave our skin alone,” it’s just not going to happen. The first step to being comfortable with eczema is being honest with yourself. To do this you need to accept that you have a life-altering skin condition. Acceptance is key, whether it takes a few months or years. Once you accept your condition and its limitations, you’ll be able to prevail.

Although gratitude can be challenging when you’re uncomfortable, a shift in your mindset will ultimately help you. Try to appreciate all you have and start to let go of your frustrations and resentments. Yes, you have eczema. You also have laughter, friends, family, and so much more going for you. Tap into all the good and minimize the negativity.

You know the saying that you should be a student for life? You can apply this to dealing with eczema. Science, technology, and even our bodies are constantly evolving. Therefore, stay curious. If one method for treating eczema isn’t working, try another. Whether you explore another culture's medical practice or decide to undergo a new scientific development, you have options. Always utilize them.

It can be difficult to commit to an exercise program with eczema symptoms. However, moving is an important step in becoming comfortable in your own skin. If you feel that exercise makes your eczema worse, then opt for low-impact exercises, such as walking, yoga, pilates, or even stretching for 30 minutes three to four times a week. You’ll feel better due to the endorphins, and since you can’t control your skin, you can at least control your physique. So get that body moving!

Learning about nutrition is crucial when you have eczema. For some, foods such as excessive sugar, dairy, meat, or even wheat can trigger flare-ups. There is nothing worse than having eczema and eating poorly on top of that. Start eating clean for your overall health.

It’s time to map out a self-care routine. You should keep a daily log of your research, exercises, and food with the help of online apps or by recording them in a notebook. Additionally, you can practice positive affirmations by keeping a journal. Make self-care activities part of your daily routine, like applying moisturizer, taking your daily vitamins, and anything else you see fit.

There are millions of people to help you through the tough times. Open yourself up and connect with others near and far that deal with eczema. Whether through a meetup group, an eczema convention, or an online forum, start making friends with those who suffer from eczema.

Whether you’re going to the store or traveling across the world, always have everything you need for an eczema flare-up. You know that eczema is unpredictable, so forecast all the ways your skin can flare-up and prepare. Benjamin Franklin once said, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”

Once you’ve taken all the steps necessary, you should start to see some changes. It's time to get out of your rut and start living your best life. Will it be hard? Yup. But regardless of how bad your skin is, you’ll start living a better life. It's time to start loving yourself and the skin that you're in. It’s time to be comfortable in your own skin.