the self-esteem that many skin conditions can harm.
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Plans for the future
Launching Kiyamel didn’t come without its share of challenges, however. For starters, Kiyamel’s products are 100% natural and clinically tested. Sourcing and packaging clean ingredients can be costly. Another obstacle she faced was gaining access to venture capital (a form of private equity and a type of financing that investors provide to startup companies and small businesses that are believed to have long-term growth potential).
Despite this, she was able to land approval from The National Eczema Association, which is no small feat. Four of her products had to endure a very extensive and rigorous process. They all passed.
Now she has her eyes set on achieving a 2% market penetration by partnering with retail stores. She also wants to give back to the community through a mentorship program.
RELATED: 6 Eczema Triggers To Avoid
Seeing a doctor
If you believe you have eczema, it is important to see a dermatologist. A dermatologist that specializes in skin conditions can officially diagnose you with eczema by examining your skin and taking your family history of eczema or associated conditions, such as asthma into account.
Some signs to look for are patches of skin that:
- appear darker than the rest of your skin (hyperpigmented), which can include looking purple, ashen grey, or dark brown
- are very dry or scaly
- feel warm to the touch
- have an intense itch
- may be thickened (lichenification)
Eczema is often more severe in people of color and can lead to potentially permanent pigmentation changes or skin thickening so it is important to take the necessary steps to manage and treat it.