After a several month wait, I am finally going to see a dermatologist. For some time now, I have struggled with dry skin. Somehow, that evolved into dry patches that hurt and heal and recur. I suspect it’s either eczema or psoriasis. Over the counter treatments are not helping. I have tried Neosporin, cortisone cream, Aveno eczema cream, and others.

I tried altering my diet, eliminating milk. Then I tried cutting down on sugar. Nothing changed. So back in May, I finally decided I needed professional help. I went on the MyLVHN app, and located a dermatologist. I called, and was dismayed when I learned I could not get an appointment until the end of August.

I have avoided wearing shorts all summer, except at home. Partly it’s vanity. Partly it’s because when my skin is exposed, I have to fight not to scratch at it. It is painful, tiring, and distracting.

The heat seemed to make things worse. When we visited my daughter and her boyfriend at their apartment, the adult kids and James went in the pool. I went inside to the lounge.

What bothers me most is that this may be psoriasis. Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease. I internalize a lot of stress, but I have always thought that I could handle it, and I don’t like to think my body is rebelling.

Whatever it is, I need a doctor. I went to the doctor twice this year, once when I had Covid, and once when I got the flu. Between my boys’ appointments and my own, I feel like I have been in enough doctors offices for two years at least.

But I an going to the dermatologist, because if the past several years have taught me anything, it is get help when I need it.