This HBCU Students Shares Her Journey With Atopic Dermatitis

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Bailee Nored, a sophomore at Howard University majoring in radiation therapy, still remembers her first experience with atopic dermatitis. At about 5 or 6 years old, she recalls feeling discomfort at cheerleading practices and games. “My ankles, elbows, the front of my arms, and the back of my knees would always flare up when I sweat,” she says. “It prevented me from enjoying a lot of my time as a youth cheerleader.”

With sweat as a trigger, eczema was a constant challenge for Bailee as she navigated an active childhood and adolescence. In middle school, she was taunted by fellow students about her skin condition. “Other kids can be very mean and I, of course, was sensitive to this.” Eventually, she says, she discovered a way to alleviate the pain. “I found that cold compresses help relieve discomfort.” But nothing got rid of her atopic dermatitis completely.

Atopic Dermatitis

Now, when it flares up in the winter, Nored experiences some of the same discomfort she felt as a young child during practice. “It prevents me from wearing certain clothes,” she says. “If I wear the clothes I want to, I eventually become insecure and wonder if people will see the marks that are left. I know that it is not contagious or dangerous, but others don’t, and I often wonder when people see my eczema if they question if they should touch me or get close.” At times like these, Nored finds strength and confidence in knowing atopic dermatitis is a common skin condition that impacts over 16 million adults in the United States alone. “I remind myself that I am not alone and that it is normal to have eczema,” she shares.

Products help. Bailee says moisturization is key to keeping her atopic dermatitis under control, especially during the colder months. “Each winter I make sure to carry lotion and petroleum jelly with me everywhere I go,” she reveals. “At night, I moisturize heavily with lotions and creams to prevent dryness the next day. It is something that requires consistency.”

As a freshman at Howard University, she started to experience eczema around her mouth and nose for the first time. “It was red and patchy and very uncomfortable,” she recalls. “I couldn’t put makeup over it because it looked rough and made the discomfort worse.” She adopted a new skincare routine which includes washing her face twice daily and moisturizing throughout the day. She even puts medication on sensitive areas before going to bed each night. “I haven’t experienced those issues since,” she says proudly. Her advice? “Trust your gut and always moisturize no matter what. Your body’s health is so important and should always be a priority.”

Her go-to brands include two dermatologist-recommended brands for sensitive skin that are available at the drugstore. “These brands have worked continuously for me when it comes to moisturization and healing lingering effects of eczema,” says Bailee.

Bailee’s journey highlights the importance of resilience, self-care, and embracing what makes us unique in the face of challenges like atopic dermatitis. If you or someone you know is navigating similar struggles, remember that you are not alone—take action, prioritize your health, and don’t hesitate to seek the support and resources that can help you live confidently.

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