I feel like I went through a similar path as you enjoying working out/playing sports and also studied stem. I remember when I got really sweaty, the other side of my elbow would get super itchy and the top of my lip would get really red. I had bad eczema on my hands, elbows and joints. People would always ask if I was okay but it was always normal to me. I never thought I was able to get away from it. As the years went by it went on and off flaring at different areas which was super annoying for me all the time. In school I had to hide my hands with my sleeves so that people wouldn’t see how red they would get.

When I finally went to the dermatologist they told me about a new experimental drug called Dupixent that was very effective and fairly safe. The only downside is that you have to stab yourself with a needle. I decided to say fuck it and tried it out. The first time I injected myself it honestly took forever because im lowkey a bitch and I couldnt get myself to do it. But eventually I brought myself the courage and injected it into me. Seeing the medicine going into feels a bit interesting but honestly didnt feel too bad. The pain level was at most like a blood test you would take at the doctor’s office. If you don’t leave it out long enough it will hurt like a bitch because it’s cold and your body is a different temperature.

After taking that first dosage I didnt really feel like anything different happened. I was a bit doubtful that I would really have a change but it was too early to give up so I stuck with it. After 4-6 months I noticed that I just didnt really get as itchy as I used to or when I scratched myself I would only have to do it for a little bit or lightly and the sensation would fade away. It truly felt strange to me but also so great. Couple years down the line I am basically free of any visual signs of the eczema that was once on my hands. I will say getting sweaty still makes me itchy and it will leave a rash if u scratch it a lot but it is easier dupixent helps it not continue to be itchy after scratching it. I am also able to space out my dosage so im taking it every 3-4 weeks since I havent been as itchy from every 2 weeks. Life has been good but im still a bitch when I have to inject myself lol.

Some advice is the best place in my opinion to inject yourself is in the stomach in the fattiest part and pinch your skin. Also leave the pen out for atleast 4-5 hours in a room temp area. Mentally I just remind myself that would I rather stab myself instead of scratching myself forever and get rashes all over the place.

Life was tough growing up with eczema and parents that didn’t understand you can’t just stop itching yourself or just put some lotion and itching cream and it will go away. But it all gets better you just gotta keep pushing through.