Amanda Lopez is an ambassador for the National Eczema Association. She works actively in both patient and research advocacy.

I’ve hadeczemamy whole life. As a newborn, my mother noticed my face was unusually red but didn’t think much of it. I was officially diagnosed with eczema when I was 4 years old.

I’m 42 now, and I’ve dealt with the full spectrum of eczema flare-ups, from mild hotspots that can betreated at homewith over-the-counter medications tosevere episodesthat leave me covered in head-to-toe painful, itchy rashes that require a visit to the emergency room.

During these times, sleep is nearly impossible, and my symptoms become like a light switch I can’t turn off, controlling my entire thought process and often leaving medepressed and anxious.

It took time for me to identify my main eczema triggers, but once I did, I felt a newfound control over my body (and my life).

Learn more about how I discovered my eczema triggers and ultimately found a way to manage them.

What Are My Eczema Triggers?

Food is fuel, and for me, sugar empties my tank (and causes my eczema to flare up). I discovered this after noticing my symptoms worsened when I craved candies and sweets during mymenstrual cycles. I went to a nutritionist who confirmed that sugar can causeinflammation, which triggered my flare-ups.

Foods that I know I need to avoid include:

My go-to favorite foods that don’t cause flare-ups are:

Other Eczema Triggers

Avoiding sugar helps me manage my eczema, and I’ve learned that stress is my biggest trigger. Times in my life that are stressful tend to cause my eczema to flare up. For example, when my parents divorced (I was 4 years old), during times when I was separated from loved ones, and when I was putting myself through college as I studied to become aphysical therapyassistant (PTA).

While daily stressors are always there—like work and financial stress—the monumental stressful moments significantly impact my condition.

I also need to avoid skin care and cleaning products containing heavy floral scents, perfumes, and certain dyes. Althoughcolloidal oatmealcan help soothe eczema flare-ups for many people, I have to avoid it because I am allergic to oatmeal and products that contain it (such as lotions and bath products).

While I’m grateful to have identified my main eczema triggers, finding ways to manage stress has not always been easy.

How I Manage My Biggest Eczema Trigger: Stress

I also found stress management tools through my work as a PTA. Understanding how the body works and moves made me feel better equipped and at ease managing my own body, too. My work as a PTA ultimately led me to eczema advocacy work, which also helped me manage stress.

Finding Support as You Navigate Your Eczema Triggers

As fate would have it, in 2018, a representative from the National Eczema Association (NEA) invited me to the organization’s annual conference in Chicago (I still have no idea how they got my name). It was an eye-opening experience to be in a setting full of lectures, exhibits, and workshops, all dedicated to eczema.

Shortly after, they asked me to become a Texas ambassador for the NEA. Rather than let this opportunity cause stress, I let it motivate me. Connecting with others dealing with the same issues I experienced was calming. As an ambassador, I collaborate with pharmaceutical companies, participate in interviews and surveys, and am part of focus groups and advisory boards.

I’ve always said you don’t need to find your voice; you need to learn how to use it.

I’ve been asked to share insight on important topics, such as barriers people of color face and how physicians can better collaborate with patients. It is amazing to know that what I think and feel matters and that it can help others.

As a mentor to others with eczema, I hope that what I’ve gone through can help thembetter navigatetheir condition. While what worked for me may not work for them, they will find something that relieves them. It’s possible. I share with them the importance of intently listening to what their bodies are asking for.

I’ve always said you don’t need to find your voice; you need to learn how to use it. I’ve learned how to use my voice to empower and help not only myself but countless others.

I hope that if you’re navigating eczema, you can discover your eczema triggers and learn how to manage them. It truly makes all the difference.

As told toCathy Nelson.

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