It is back.

This post is really personal and a bit graphic. You've been warned (read: go away if you feel like you shouldn't be reading this).




For the past few weeks, my old friend eczema made its return. Every time it acts up, I feel like an addict of sorts. The momentary euphoria I derive from rubbing the side of my hand against whatever surface nearest to me is exchanged for lasting results of hardening, cracked, bleeding, flaky skin. Next time, I think to myself. Next time, I won't scratch. I swear. Easier thought than done. It stings upon contact with water. I've been putting off my hand-wash laundry for later, and even later. I've been shampooing my head with only my left hand. I've been applying toner to my face in awkward motions. I've tried applying a Nexcare hydro-colloid bandage to cover the affected area, but my habit of frequent hand-washing renders it ever so temporary.

My best friend is a tube of QV Cream, which I apply liberally (every time after washing my hands) and it soothes the sensitive skin for a while. It is perfume free and pH balanced. Super relieving, albeit temporarily.

Sadly, it's not just my hand. The skin around my lips too are plagued with itchiness, and I have to resist the urge to scrape at them with my teeth. And the newest development - I cannot fathom why - is the inner corner of my right eye becoming irritated. It feels really dry, but applying moisturizing eye cream does not work. There hasn't been drastic changes to my makeup/skincare routine so I don't understand. Why??

I think it's the hot weather coupled with the rainy season which brought humidity levels up to max. Plus the endless sweating inside the serving booth of the holiday part-time job I'm doing. Maybe it was the stress from finals too. I don't know. The only things I know are that I need to drink loads of water, keep my right hand away from irritants, and stop scratching completely.