Madalyn Meagher Hamm, 21, from Minot, North Dakota, found relief from her eczema on her wedding day, thanks to a combination of medical care and a focus on mental health. With the support of her doctor, Hamm was able to enjoy her special day with minimal eczema flare-ups, a welcome change after years of battling the condition.
As a student and barista, Hamm’s journey with atopic dermatitis—an often debilitating form of eczema—has been marked by significant physical and emotional challenges. However, through time, Hamm has learned how to manage the mental and physical toll of her diagnosis, recognizing that embracing both aspects is key to her well-being.
“I’ve learned it’s okay to admit that some days are harder than others,” Hamm said. “One of my main goals as a National Eczema Association (NEA) Ambassador is to spread awareness about the importance of mental health. Taking care of your mental health can really make a difference when your skin flares up.”
A Lifetime of Struggles and Trial and Error
Hamm’s battle with eczema began when she was a baby. At that time, healthcare providers offered limited solutions for her condition. Over the years, her mother tried various remedies, starting with diaper rash cream before moving on to topical steroids and lotions as Hamm grew older. Yet, as Hamm recalls, many of these treatments were painful and ineffective, leaving her with open wounds from constant scratching.
As a high school student, Hamm refused to let her condition define her. She pursued her passion for theater and ballet, though visible flare-ups often triggered feelings of anxiety and depression. “People would ask if I had a hickey or if I’d been choked,” she said. “It was hurtful.”
Escalating Symptoms and a Life-Threatening Infection
Hamm’s symptoms worsened when she entered college, with flare-ups becoming more severe and frequent. In January 2024, during one particularly bad flare, she developed a staph infection, a serious complication that can lead to sepsis if untreated.
“I had a stress flare-up and was on antibiotics for strep throat, which we think contributed to the infection,” Hamm explained. “I’m so glad I saw the doctor in time—they told me if I had waited any longer, I would’ve needed to be hospitalized.”
A Plan for Wedding Day Relief
Just five months before her wedding, Hamm was still struggling with severe eczema. Determined to avoid letting her skin impact her big day, she and her allergist developed a treatment plan that involved aggressive use of oral and topical steroids starting in March 2024. By her wedding on June 1, her symptoms had improved significantly, though not completely gone. “We got my eczema under control for one day, and I was very happy,” she said.
Hamm continues to manage her eczema with weekly allergy shots, a Dupixent prescription, and occasional use of topical steroid creams, a regimen that has greatly improved her skin’s condition.
A Passion for Helping Others
Hamm’s personal experience with eczema has shaped her career aspirations. Currently studying social work at Minot State University, she aims to help others who face similar challenges. Her role as an NEA Ambassador allows her to connect with a community of individuals who understand her struggles and provide mutual support.
“Connecting with other NEA Ambassadors and utilizing NEA resources has been a game-changer for me,” Hamm said. “It’s been a huge help for my mental health to know there are others out there who understand what I’m going through.”
Although she still faces moments of self-consciousness, especially during flare-ups on her face, arms, and legs, Hamm remains confident in the support of her loved ones. “My husband, family, and friends love me no matter what,” she said. “That support has been one of the biggest factors in my journey with eczema. I encourage others to lean on those who truly understand and accept them.”
In sharing her story, Hamm hopes to inspire others to take charge of both their mental and physical health, showing that with the right care and support, it’s possible to thrive despite the challenges of eczema.
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