Simone Biles Opens Up About Living with Eczema
Simone Biles, a celebrated Olympic gold medalist and the most decorated gymnast in history, is sharing her personal journey with eczema, a condition that affects around 31 million Americans. Biles, known for her athletic prowess, is now bringing attention to the challenges of living with skin conditions, aiming to reduce stigma and encourage others to seek help.
A few years ago, Biles began to experience persistent itching and flaking on her scalp and skin. Initially, she mistook these symptoms for dandruff and even worried they might be contagious. “I started noticing flaking and itching on my scalp, especially on the crown of my head,” she revealed. “I’ve also dealt with patches of dry skin on my arm that come and go.” As her training intensified, Biles noticed that stress exacerbated her symptoms, leading to discomfort during her gym sessions.
After her hairdresser pointed out scaly patches on her scalp, Biles turned to the internet for solutions, trying various home remedies like special shampoos and oils. However, these approaches did not provide the relief she sought. “I didn’t go to the dermatologist immediately because I was busy training and felt embarrassed,” she admitted. It wasn’t until she shared her experiences in a TikTok video that she decided to consult a dermatologist, who diagnosed her with seborrheic dermatitis and atopic dermatitis, commonly known as eczema.
Dr. Angela Lamb, Biles’ dermatologist, explained that eczema includes a range of chronic inflammatory skin conditions. She noted that stress can trigger flare-ups, especially in individuals with atopic dermatitis. “Patients need to identify their personal triggers and find effective moisturizers tailored to their skin type,” Dr. Lamb advised.
To manage her symptoms, Biles discovered Zoryve, a topical, steroid-free medication that she found effective and convenient. “It fits easily into my lifestyle; the foam works well for my scalp, and the cream is non-greasy for my skin,” she said. This treatment not only improved her comfort but also alleviated her embarrassment about the appearance of her skin, particularly during public appearances and photoshoots.
In collaboration with Arcutis Biotherapeutics, the manufacturer of Zoryve, Biles has launched the “Skin to Believe In” campaign. This initiative aims to raise awareness about chronic skin conditions and encourage individuals to seek professional help without shame. “I know people are going through similar things, thinking it’s just dandruff or something contagious,” she said. “You don’t have to suffer in silence. Own it, and see a trusted professional for the relief you deserve.”
Biles also emphasizes the importance of managing stress to help control her eczema. Her wellness routine includes spending quality time with friends, indulging in massages, and taking relaxing baths. As she approaches her 30th birthday, she reflects on the significance of prioritizing both her physical and mental health. “I feel like maturity has helped a lot with that,” she shared. “It has given me the space to say, ‘Hey, I’m not feeling okay’ and seek the help I need.”
Through her openness about eczema, Biles hopes to inspire others to take charge of their health and embrace their journeys, proving that even the most accomplished athletes face everyday challenges.
