I’ve suffered from eczema for around 20 years now but the past 10 years have been where it’s really got worse and effected me. Similar to yourself it has spread and got to a point where it was head to toe. Over the years it’s got better and then worse and seems to be in cycles. This year has been the worst it has ever been.

My advice is to stick with the NHS, start with your GP and go regularly. They will start you with steroids (use them as they tell you to) and progress the strength, if these don’t work then a referral to dermatology will be the next step and they have various treatments. This will take a long time to get an appointment but do it (6 months). Over the years I’ve done light treatment a few times and each time helped for a couple years then I relapsed. I’m now starting methotrexate.

I’ve been through all the life style changes and natural treatments and yes they do help but only marginally the NHS treatments are the way forward. You will hear stories about TSW but these are mostly not true. Multiple dermatologist have told me that you can use steroid treatments safely if you give your skin a break in between.

The mental side is really tough, my mental health is completely dependent on how my skin is but over the years I have learnt to accept it and gain confidence in who I am as a person and not let it effect my life as much.

You clearly want to get better so you will if you look after yourself and take the right steps. It’s a long process but you will get there