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For Lana, who is living with both severe eczema and alopecia universalis, chronic illness has shaped nearly every aspect of her life—from the career she once dreamed of to the way she navigates everyday routines and interactions. While eczema is a general term for inflammatory skin conditions, atopic dermatitis is its most common and chronic form, often marked by intense itching, dryness, and flares that can severely impact quality of life. For Lana, eczema has been a constant since early childhood—and in recent years, she has also developed alopecia universalis, adding another layer of complexity to her journey.
Born and raised in the greater Boston area, Lana studied biology in college, originally following a pre-med path inspired by her personal health journey. “I wanted to become a pediatric dermatologist and help other kids like me,” she says. But over time, the harsh realities of her condition forced her to rethink that path. Flare-ups so severe that even handwashing became painful meant letting go of passions like cooking, baking, and other hands-on activities that once brought her joy.
Lana’s earliest memories include the pain of taking showers, the sting of water hitting broken skin, and the emotional toll of feeling different from her peers. Eczema was something she lived with daily, and it became hard to separate her identity from the constant physical discomfort and social anxiety it caused. “I don’t remember a time where I didn’t have eczema,” she says. “Even every birthday, I would think, ‘I’ve lived another year with eczema.’” In her teens, when inflammation began affecting her face, classmates asked if she was wearing red eyeshadow—not realizing it was a symptom of her condition. And in adulthood, the added experience of alopecia has led to moments of misgendering and stares from strangers. “It leaves a mark,” she says. “Kids especially look at you like you’re abnormal.”
For Lana, managing eczema and alopecia is a full-time effort—physically, emotionally, and mentally. She describes waking up not knowing what damage she might have done to her skin overnight through unconscious scratching, and throughout the day having to be vigilant about her environment to minimize exposure to irritants and allergens. Navigating the unpredictability of her health has meant giving up on rigid routines and learning to give herself grace. “I used to be so ambitious. But I’ve had to humble myself,” she says. “Sometimes I just need to rest.”
Through it all, Lana has leaned on her mom as her strongest support system—someone who’s been by her side through doctor visits, alternative therapies, and countless treatments. But even with that support, it’s hard for others to fully grasp what living with a visible, often misunderstood condition really feels like. “There’s physical pain, yes, but also emotional and mental layers,” she explains. “Even with my closest friends, I hid my eczema for years.” She often skipped social plans rather than reveal she was flaring, and still finds herself cautious about what she discloses in the workplace out of fear of being seen as less capable.
When it comes to treatment, Lana is encouraged by the advancements being made—but she’s also realistic. For years, her only options were topical steroids and ointments that often caused burning, sun sensitivity, or worsening symptoms. Injectables like biologics came with new learning curves, like administering a shot for the first time, and oral medications brought side effects. “Of course efficacy matters, but safety is even more important,” she says. Her hope for the future? A treatment that doesn’t just manage the symptoms, but modifies the disease itself—something restorative and long-lasting, without the burden of lifelong application or high-risk side effects.
Lana’s message to others, especially newly diagnosed patients or parents of children with eczema, is simple but powerful: address it early, and don’t underestimate the mental health toll. “This can be emotionally draining,” she says. “Find someone to talk to. We tend to suffer silently, but you don’t have to.” She also urges healthcare providers and researchers to bring patients into the fold—not just as recipients of medication, but as partners in shaping the future of care. “We’re the ones living with this every day. We should be at the table too.”
