'I thought my eczema was going to kill me'

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

Many will understand how much of an impact the skin condition eczema can have on daily life. The constant discomfort of dry, itchy and red skin can massively decrease someone’s overall wellbeing – ranging from fatigue to low self-esteem.

But for some, the chronic skin problem can also be deadly – leading to potentially life-threatening complications that can kill if not treated properly. READ MORE: Mum's appearance radically transformed after 'brutal, painful session' Someone who knows this more than most is Freya McGreevy, from Chorlton, who has endured severe eczema for as long as she can remember.

It all started when Freya was a child. As her sore skin worsened, her family thought she might be experiencing allergies, but tests showed no evidence of this.

Freya’s eczema flare-ups eventually became so horrific she was forced to take time off school. With open wounds, weeping skin and rashes, even wearing clothes became too painful. “They couldn’t find any pattern for my eczema,” the 27-year-old told the Manchester Evening News. “So, we just had to be prepared for if a flare-up occurred, which can go from clear skin to open wounds, wet eczema and rashes within hours.” It wasn’t until the age of 26 that the Afflecks Palace worker learned that her painful skin condition was being caused by a heightened immune system.