Actress Tori Spelling and her daughter, Stella McDermott, have publicly discussed their long-term battle with eczema, a chronic inflammatory skin condition affecting millions worldwide. Their experiences highlight the challenges of living with the disease – from social stigma and misdiagnosis to the frustration of ineffective treatments. Their openness comes as part of a campaign with Arcutis Biotherapeutics, aimed at reducing the shame surrounding inflammatory skin conditions and improving awareness.
The Hidden Burden of Eczema
For many, eczema remains a silent struggle. Spelling revealed she initially felt embarrassed about her adult-onset eczema, a condition often associated with childhood. This hesitancy to speak out is common: many sufferers endure intense itching, pain, and social discomfort in private rather than seeking support or information. The lack of open discussion contributes to misinformation and delayed diagnoses.
Spelling’s experience underscores how stress can trigger or exacerbate eczema flares. She developed the condition during a particularly turbulent period in her life, highlighting the mind-skin connection. Her daughter, Stella, has dealt with eczema since early childhood, facing bullying and misunderstanding from peers who feared contagion.
Treatment Frustrations and the Search for Relief
Both Spelling and McDermott describe a cycle of trial and error with various treatments. Steroid creams, while sometimes effective in the short term, often led to rebound inflammation or skin thinning. The lack of consistent guidance from medical professionals left them feeling lost and exhausted.
“We had to bathe her in oatmeal in a washcloth. It was the only way to get down the pain and inflammation,” Spelling recalled. “But, you know, we tried everything.”
A New Approach: Zoryve and Targeted Therapy
The turning point came with the introduction of Zoryve, a non-steroidal topical medication containing roflumilast. Developed by Arcutis Biotherapeutics, Zoryve works by inhibiting phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4), an enzyme involved in inflammation. Unlike broad-spectrum steroids, this targeted approach aims to reduce inflammation without the long-term side effects.
Both Spelling and McDermott reported significant improvements after using Zoryve, a change that has brought relief and hope. This shift reflects a broader trend in dermatology: the move towards more precise, condition-specific treatments.
The Evolving Landscape of Eczema Care
Dermatologist Adam Friedman, MD, FAAD, notes that the past decade has seen a revolution in eczema treatment. “Just 10 years ago, there were no FDA-approved medications for even moderately severe disease…now we have targeted therapy meant for a particular condition.”
However, Friedman cautions that no treatment is without risk. Potential side effects of Zoryve include headache, nausea, and gastrointestinal issues. He emphasizes the importance of individualized care: “What works for one or two people may not necessarily work for you or others.”
Ultimately, the key is to work with a qualified dermatologist to develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. The growing availability of targeted therapies like Zoryve marks a significant step forward in managing eczema, but informed medical guidance remains essential.
