Last week, I wrote about how I'd found it impossible to do any art recently as I was - and still am - recovering from a terrible outbreak of eczema. However, this week, my skin is significantly better, and I feel so much more positive. I still have been unable to do any art, so nothing to write about there - but I wanted to share what has really helped me over the last 3 weeks. Mostly, I have excellent physical health, and it has been such a challenge for me to deal with this painful outbreak, especially as it has been on my face and so disfiguring. However, it has also been a learning experience, and I have been the recipient of so much kindness - hence this blog post.
Support from Friends, Colleagues and Family
Without a doubt, this has been the biggest factor of all. As I wrote last week, I've been practising an elimination diet, excluding sugar, wheat, dairy, caffeine and alcohol - it has made a huge difference to my skin, but it has not been an easy undertaking. People have been so sympathetic and supportive - my sister with all her detox tips - a friend buying me very dark chocolate as she knew this was the only thing I was allowed - and lots of friends recommending products and giving advice. One very special friend, who, on reading my blog post, immediately came round with a soothing porridge oat face mask. People have been in touch to express their sympathy, and this made such a difference. Thank you so much to everyone who has helped me through this.
Positive Feedback on my Art
On Spoonflower, I have a collection of fabrics, and September has proved a fruitful month in terms of selling! The money is welcome, but much more than that, the sales have given me a much needed confidence boost. I also had a lovely message from someone who got in touch about the free tutorials I have available. "I just wanted to stop by and thank you for putting those awesome free sewing patterns. I just grabbed a ton of them. They're really fun beautiful projects that help me liven up my place and feel like I can afford a little more luxury. It really means a lot. 
(also I love your bee prints in your pics!)". During such a miserable period, this feedback meant so much.
Research and Medication
It is easier than ever to research different conditions on the internet, although it can be very difficult establishing what the correct approach should be. However, there seems to be general consensus that eczema is diet related, and certainly, that seems to be the case with me, and has helped me to recover. I particularly recommend the book Radiant, by Hanna Sillitoe - she has healed her psoriasis through diet, which has been life changing. Apart from the areas still to heal on my face, my skin is the best it has ever been. Standard medication has played a role to get on top of a secondary fungal infection - but so has alternative medication, such as probiotics, evening primrose oil and fish oil.
Hopefully next week, my blog post will be about some sort of art activity! But in the meantime, thank you once again to everyone who has been so supportive and helpful.