Suzanne Johns, 24, of Liden, first developed eczema ten years ago.

"At its worst it has veered from the torment of trying to ignore a terrible, deep-rooted itch to scratching and then the resulting pain, inflammation and bleeding from the damage caused by my own nails," says Suzanne.

"Usually within a few hours of using steroid cream my skin will begin to calm down, only slightly but enough to take the edge off my panic.

"Some people try to help by saying things like 'You should try not to use those chemical creams you'll have skin like an old woman by the time you're 40', but it seems like the only form of relief at times.

"In my case a severe flare-up can start if I'm worried or stressed, after contact with animals or just for no apparent reason at all. It starts behind my knees and elbows then spreads to my legs, arms, buttocks, trunk, chest, face and ears.

"At its worst my skin weeps because I've scratched away so many layers, and then I lose so much body heat through the inflammation that I start to shake and shiver.

"Even then, it's as if my body is tormenting itself. It still tells me 'Go on, one little scratch and it'll feel much better.'

"I am now trying homeopathic treatment after experimenting with faith healing, yeast- and dairy-free diets, Evening Prim-rose and even drinking soot with milk.

"I sometimes feel I'd rather not have children than put them through this kind of suffering. So I feel trying homeopathic remedies may be my only hope. If I want to avoid a lifetime of this, do I have any option?"

Advice from the experts

The Skin Information Day is being held at the University of Bath in Swindon's Oakfield campus on Marlowe Avenue, Swindon, on Saturday from 10am to 3pm.

The day aims to help people learn more about their skin condition and improve their skills in coping with and managing that particular disease.

The event is also open to everyone affected by skin conditions, whether they are carers, family members or have a professional interest.

It will include a series of informal talks led by health professionals and representatives of pharmaceutical companies who can offer samples to try at home.

A skin camouflage specialist will also be present. Admission is free. For more information, contact Gwen Banford at the Skin Care Campaign on 0207 561 8249 (ext 319).