"I always dreaded the summer time because of my Eczema. Even on the hottest days, I would wear jackets and sweaters just to hide my skin. It became my biggest insecurity and it consumed my happiness. Society expects us to fit into this mold of being thin and beautiful with flawless skin, and if you didn't, you simply weren't good enough. It always sucked to hear people say comments like "she's a pretty girl, but what's wrong with her skin?" And don't forget the ones who would simply stare... The thought of revealing my skin and body for the world to see terrified me to the point of anxiety. It wasn't until recently I realized that the only way to get over it was to just embrace and accept the fact that I have a skin condition. You should always love yourself and screw what everyone else has to say! It's been 3 years and I am finally wearing my scars with pride. I can honestly say the sun has never felt better against my skin."