Through the Layers: Welcome

A Personal Introduction

<sub>Hi, I’m Fabian (31 years old) and have been living with keloids since I was 16. I have them on my jaw, shoulders, and back, some small, some large. Over the years, I’ve lost count of how many surgeries, treatments, and appointments I’ve had. If there were a loyalty card for the NHS, mine would be gold or platinum.

Like many others with long-term conditions, I’ve travelled all over the country in search of answers. And while the physical side of this condition is obvious, what’s less visible is the impact it has on your mental health, finances, and just everyday living.

At my lowest points, especially when the keloids on my face flared up, I wouldn’t leave the house. I’d hide under a hood, cancel plans, and avoid friends. It led to serious anxiety, and I feel like I’ve missed years of my life.

But I’ve had a few constants that kept me going; my family, and a couple of close friends. Their support helped me keep perspective, stay positive (even when I didn’t feel it), and stay standing.</sub>

What inspired me to start this newsletter?

<sub>I want to use this space to tell my story, answer questions (as best as possible), and offer thoughts on what’s helped (or not helped) me. But I also want to hear from you whether you’re dealing with keloids, acne, eczema, or any other long-term condition.

This isn’t just about me. It’s about creating a space where people can write in, share what they’re dealing with, and hopefully feel a bit less alone. Over time, I’d love to feature other people’s stories, speak with medical professionals, and give space to topics that never get the attention they deserve.

If we can build something honest and helpful together, even a little, then this will be worth it.</sub>

What advice would you give someone who is going through something similar?

_{Don’t expect to get all the answers straight away. With things like this (at least in my case), it takes time. It’s not a one-and-done situation, so try to focus on the next step rather than the whole picture. That might mean getting ready for your next appointment or simply making sure you’re looking after yourself in the meantime. You have to come first.}

_{It’s hard to stay positive all the time and honestly, no one can and it’s okay to feel low sometimes. What’s helped me is something my mum used to say when I was a kid: “You can have today to feel down, but tomorrow, you get back up.” It gave me permission to sit with whatever I was feeling, without getting stuck in it. Even if nothing changes overnight, that little shift in thinking made space for something to start moving.}

_{Another thing that’s made a real difference is talking about anything related to my condition or even just how it’s felt trying to leave the house some days. At first, I hated it, I felt like I was burdening the people around me. But if they genuinely care, they’ll listen and the more I talked, the less pressure I felt to act like everything was fine. Being honest made things feel less intense.}

_{So, if you’re in it right now waiting, worrying, worn out just know that you’re not alone. Keep doing what you need to do to look after yourself, even if that just means taking it one day at a time.}

Write In, Speak Up

Help us keep sharing real stories, you never know who your advice may help.