SKINtimacy: Eczema and Healthy Relationships

Dear Young Folk,

Fifty percent of Eczemapedia is dedicated to health awareness and how Eczema-sufferers can develop healthy skin and healthy immune systems. But, fifty percent of Eczemapedia is also dedicated to how Eczema-sufferers can develop a healthy life.

In 2007, dermatologist Alexa Boer-Kimball published the results of a study to the American Academy of Dermatology stating that young people with eczema and psoriasis may be at disadvantage on the young dating scene. 

Basically, many people who do not have eczema or psoriasis are often confused about whether eczema is contagious or not. While the diseases that people should be worried about such as HIV and Herpes lurk invisibly. 

It turns out,

-----83% stated that physical appearance plays a major part in whether they would date someone or not.

-----62% stated that skin condition plays a pivotal role as well. 

I don't think the results of this study come as a surprise to any person with a skin disorder. Just have a skin disorder and you will know how important looks are, how important appearance is in dating, friendships and professional settings. 

Now, the study I would be interested in reading and discussing is the correlation between Eczema/Psoriasis and sexual abuse, sexual molestation and domestic violence.

Are people who suffer from severe eczema or psoriasis more likely to place themselves within dangerous relationships? Or, more likely to stay within dangerous relationships?

Here are a few signs of a healthy relationship:

----- Communication

Everyone communicates differently. Our communication patterns are largely based on the household we grew up in, and our early relationships.

*Can you communicate openly with your partner about your eczema, about both your insecurities and about your physical pain?

*Can you be careful not to take your insecurities and the results of your physical/emotional pain out on your partner?

----- Mutual Respect

Pat Allen/Marianne Williamson "A man greatest psychic need is to have his thoughts respected and a woman's greatest psychic need is to have her feelings cherished."

Does your partner respect when you don't want to have sex? When you do?

Does your partner respect when you need space?

----- Mutual Support

Each individual can make it in the world by themselves keeping acquaintances and family at bay. But life's difficulties are better handled with close support, and life's victories are better celebrated with friends and family.

*Does your partner support and encourage healthy lifestyle habits for people with eczema?

*Does your partner celebrate your victories? (When your skin clears up, etc.)

----- Intimacy

Emotions. Understanding. Sex. Is it healthy? Is it positive?

*Does your partner fulfil your emotional, spiritual and physical needs?

*Or, does your emotional, spiritual, and physical relationships hender other aspects of you or your partners life?

----- Realistic Expectations

Expectations are everything. You will never get what you don't expect. But, if you expect the impossible, you are destined for disappointment. 

*What does your partner expect of you? 

*What do you expect of your partner? 

*Most importantly, what do you expect of yourself?

----- Mutual Flexibility

Can you comprimise, and know that which can never be comprimised?

*Are you in a lopsided relationship? 

*Do you give as much as you get? 

----- Balanced Life

The most important aspect of maintaining a healthy relationship, is maintaining a balanced life. Your relationship should not be 100% of your life. Your relationship should not be 100% of your partners life.

Hope this helps!

Love, 

Lhea J.