Living and Competing with Severe Eczema: Suni Lee

When we speak of eczema, most people will say, “Stop scratching, and it will pass!” “It's poor hygiene,” or “it's contagious.” There are a lot of misconceptions regarding this health condition; a lot of people fear it due to the lack of information they have.

Truth is, eczema is not contagious, is not about hygiene, and we hope! We hope it was as easy to stop scratching and that it will vanish, but in reality it isn’t. There are truths in the misconceptions, including two important things you need to know: Eczema affects your skin, and it is also an inflammatory disorder.

You've probably seen some redness and even some hives on some people's skin. Your first thought? Most likely contagious! Nonetheless, this is not the case.

Eczema or atopic dermatitis is, in general terms, a non-contagious, inflammatory skin condition that can cause symptoms such as redness, hives, sensitive skin, itching, bumps and skin patches, and can also lead to conditions such as anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders.

Eczema can create a cycle that affects both physical and emotional health. Itching can interfere with sleep, while discomfort can make it harder to concentrate or enjoy everyday activities. When symptoms become visible, some people may also experience embarrassment, frustration, or self-consciousness. Stress can worsen symptoms for some people too.

This can create a frustrating cycle: eczema causes stress, and stress may contribute to flare-ups, which can then create even more stress.

It is also most often diagnosed in the early stages, between 2 months and 2 years old. Although most cases are diagnosed at a young age, it can also be found later in life.

Eczema on the Floor

Olympic gymnast Sunisa or Suni Lee, 21, is one of the many young adults who have experienced eczema throughout her life; she has spoken about the hardships of her condition by being one of those “diseases” nobody talks about.

For her, gymnastics posed an additional challenge because her sport requires her to perform in a leotard, making her skin highly visible. During flare-ups, she talked about feeling insecure about redness and irritation on her body and worrying that people were looking at her skin.

That anxiety could actually follow her onto the competition floor.

Lee explained that eczema flare-ups could get to her because she was surrounded by spectators and cameras while trying to concentrate on her routine. She also worried that scratching would worsen the irritation and dryness. And so her discomfort.

Her experience with eczema is about more than simply being a world-class gymnast who has a skin condition. Her story reflects the insecurity, self-consciousness and emotional challenges that many young people living with eczema experience.

Despite being an elite athlete, Lee has spoken openly about feeling isolated and uncomfortable. Her openness reminds other young athletes that they are not alone—and that eczema does not define who they are or what they are capable of achieving.

Preparation Can Make a Difference

Managing eczema as a young athlete starts before stepping onto the field, court, track or pool.

Wearing comfortable, breathable clothing can help reduce irritation. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends loose-fitting clothing for children whose eczema is triggered by heat, sweat or clothing. Washing uniforms with fragrance-free and dye-free detergent can also help reduce potential irritation.

Hydration is another important part of preparation. Drinking water before, during and after exercise can help replace fluids lost through sweating. Athletes should also pay attention to their surroundings and take breaks when they begin feeling overheated.

A break isn't a sign of weakness. It is part of taking care of your body.

At Beyond the Game Health, we believe that supporting athletes means looking beyond the scoreboard. Physical health, mental health, and confidence are all part of an athlete's journey.

Eczema may affect the way an athlete's skin feels, but it doesn't have to determine how they see themselves.

Your skin is part of your story. It is not the whole story.

References:

Moniuszko, S. (2024, June 10). Olympic gymnast Suni Lee reveals her eczema journey, tells others: “You are not alone.” CBS News. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/suni-lee-olympic-gymnast-eczema/

NHS website. (2026, January 22). Atopic eczema. Nhs.Uk. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/atopic-eczema/

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‌Skindr. (2026, April 2). Eczema myths and misconceptions busted by dermatologists. Skindr.Com; Skindr. https://www.skindr.com/en-be/blog/eczema-myths-misconceptions

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