‘My eczema makes me feel trapped’: Skin patients’ agonising wait for NHS treatment
“It’s taken a big toll on my life,” says Elle Jones, 19, reflecting on her severe eczema.
The office worker from Devon describes days bedridden with “excruciating” pain and chronic itching, while waiting up to 18 months for NHS treatments.
But she says the emotional impact is the worst part, making her feel “trapped, hopeless” and afraid of never being “free” from her skin disease.
Miss Jones is one of thousands of people across the country who are waiting a year or more to see a dermatologist due to pressure on services caused by increased urgent skin cancer referrals and a shortage of specialist doctors.
“I’ve missed out on work, school, college,” says Miss Jones, adding she has “spent a long time hating myself”.
Source: BBC | Language: English