Social media influencer and fashion model-turned-TikTok star Nara Smith has candidly shared the struggles she has faced with severe eczema flare-ups, which eventually led to a lupus diagnosis. In a revealing Instagram post, Smith opened up about her health journey, shedding light on the physical and emotional toll eczema has taken on her life.
The mother-of-three posted a five-part carousel on Instagram, showcasing the painful reality of her eczema flare-ups. Eczema, also known as dermatitis, is a chronic skin condition that causes inflammation, dryness, and irritation. Smith’s experience with eczema has affected various parts of her body, including her hands, scalp, face, and arms.
“TW: Eczema,” Smith wrote in the post. “It’s been about three years since my eczema started flaring up severely. I had just given birth to my second child. It started off as a small cracked patch of dry skin that I just moisturized and ignored.”
Over time, Smith’s eczema spread rapidly, starting on her palms and extending to her back, arms, scalp, and face. The flare-ups caused intense discomfort, including body aches and exhaustion, making it difficult for her to care for her children. Smith also experienced significant hair loss and a persistent cold sensation throughout her body.
Despite these symptoms, Smith continued to believe her condition was simply severe eczema. “I spent nights researching eczema, thinking that’s all I had,” she said.
In an effort to manage her symptoms, Smith made drastic changes to her lifestyle, including altering her diet and switching to natural skincare products. She saw multiple dermatologists, but each one provided the same diagnosis: severe eczema. While there were brief periods of improvement, the flare-ups always returned, and Smith was often sent home with only steroid creams, which left her feeling unheard and frustrated.
It wasn’t until a particularly severe flare-up led to a debilitating infection that Smith sought more comprehensive medical care.
“After two years of struggling, I had the biggest flare-up yet, which led to a severe infection. Every part of my body was covered in inflamed, oozing, itchy, and swollen skin. I woke up with my eyes swollen shut and my hands not functioning. I stopped eating completely, paralyzed by the fear of making it worse.”
In a desperate bid for answers, Smith traveled to Germany, where she consulted with naturopaths, doctors, and specialists. It was there that she received the long-awaited diagnosis: lupus.
Lupus is an autoimmune disease that primarily affects women, with 90% of sufferers being female. The condition causes the body’s immune system to attack its own healthy tissues and organs. Due to its ability to mimic other illnesses, lupus is often difficult to diagnose, and symptoms can vary widely.
For Smith, the diagnosis was both a relief and a source of fear. “All my symptoms made sense—my purple hands that felt frozen, my extreme fatigue, my hair loss, and sores. It all made sense now,” she said. “I felt relieved because I finally had an answer, but I was equally scared of what this meant for my life and my kids.”
Now, as she continues to adjust to her diagnosis, Smith remains hopeful. “It’s been a learning curve, and I’m still learning and adjusting day by day,” she shared. “I’m sharing this in the hopes of giving someone hope, comfort, or the strength to keep pushing when things get really hard and lonely.”
Smith’s openness about her health struggles serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of seeking answers and advocating for oneself in the face of chronic illness. As she navigates these challenges, her followers are showing their support, hoping that her journey will inspire others facing similar battles.
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