As a Black woman living with eczema, Raelle has had many candid discussions to reach a point where she is confident in her skin. To continue fostering these honest conversations and inspiring confidence among others living with eczema, she founded Woke Within, a blog with a mission to increase online representation of eczema among people of color.
“Using the term ‘woke’ was a play on our cultural saying of ‘being woke’ or ‘staying woke,’ being aware of the external problems of the world,” Raelle explains. “Since eczema is often seen as only an external problem, I wanted to emphasize how being aware within ourselves is just as important, if not more important, than the physical aspects. So, I added ‘Woke Within’ to focus on our internal worlds emotionally, mentally, and physically more than the surface of the skin to find understanding.”
She now utilizes her platform to spread her “woke within” philosophy across the internet, but her journey began long before she viewed her eczema as a tool to stay connected with her body.
How the internet shaped her eczema story
While growing up, Raelle viewed her eczema with shame, something to hide and run from. She struggled in silence, hoping others wouldn’t notice the flare-ups on her body or the skin flakes she left behind on chairs.
Despite the support from friends and family, they couldn’t truly understand what she was going through, which is where the internet played a vital role. Online, Raelle found eczema representation on social media and through online resources, making her feel less isolated.
“My online network of eczema friends and the support through the National Eczema Association has skyrocketed my confidence and validated my feelings and emotions with this condition,” Raelle expresses.
Why she swapped shame for her woke within mentality
As her support system expanded and she learned more about eczema, Raelle’s perspective on the skin condition she once tried to conceal began to shift. She began shedding the shame surrounding her eczema and embraced it as a part of her story.
Her understanding of eczema evolved—instead of viewing it as solely physical, she realized how flare-ups were a response to something happening inside her body. This led her to focus on caring for her physical, emotional, and mental well-being, noticing that neglecting these aspects often manifested in eczema outbreaks.
“My mindset surrounding eczema has changed tremendously,” Raelle remarks. “I see my eczema as a helper for me to be alerted that I need to pay attention to my health from the inside out or make some tweaks in my routine for a better quality of life now and in the future.”
Why eczema representation matters
Raelle’s online community not only made her feel seen but also shared treatment options and tests they were offered, giving her a better idea of the care she should receive.
“As a Black woman, my experience in healthcare will always look different,” Raelle acknowledges. “If I don’t have pictures or proof of my [eczema’s] severity, then I will often not have all treatment options shared with me.”
Now, Raelle advocates for herself at the doctor’s office, armed with information and research, asserting her preferences on treatment options. She emphasizes the importance of a respectful conversation between patient and doctor.
On Woke Within, Raelle not only discusses her eczema journey but also addresses the unjust realities faced by people of color. It’s a space where she can speak unapologetically on various issues.
Ultimately, Raelle aims to demonstrate that eczema is more than a physical discomfort—it can impact various aspects of life while normalizing it for others living with the condition.
“A misconception I had about my eczema is that it’s something I should be ashamed of,” Raelle shares. “The right people will always show compassion and cater to your needs so you can heal.” And that’s what staying woke is really about.
