Kelly Rowland, seen here at the Black Women in Music Dinner on June 12, 2026 in Los Angeles, California, has long had to manage her eczema. (Photo by Michael Tullberg/Getty Images)
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Grammy-winning singer-songwriter, actress, and former Destiny’s Child member Kelly Rowland achieved a hit with David Guetta’s “When Love Takes Over” in 2010. However, she has faced a different challenge when eczema takes over, which can indeed be a “Dilemma,” referencing another of her hits with Nelly in 2002.
How Rowland Was Diagnosed With Eczema
Rowland recently shared insights into her eczema diagnosis and the untimely flare-ups, such as those occurring during live performances. “My diagnosis came about when after I had my first son Titan,” Rowland recalled. “I had all these different flare ups, which I thought were rashes at the time. So although I was scratching, I was thinking in my head that I was spreading whatever rash it was all over my body.” Initially, the nature of the rash was unclear. It was as if the rash was silently demanding attention without Rowland knowing what it was.
A chance conversation with her aesthetician, Shani Darden, after a facial led to the realization. Darden identified the condition as eczema and advised Rowland to consult a dermatologist. This happened approximately 11 years ago.
Upon visiting a dermatologist, Rowland received an official eczema diagnosis. “I realized that I’d always suffered from it,” she noted, acknowledging flare-ups on her legs, elbows, neck, back, eyes, nose, and other areas. Her experience was not unique; she recalled that “everybody back home in Atlanta, from what I remember, had eczema.” This revelation highlighted the varied manifestations of eczema and its broad impact.
The National Eczema Association estimates that eczema affects 10 to 20 percent of children and 2 to 10 percent of adults globally.
Rowland Said ‘Eczema Has A Mind Of Its Own’
Rowland described eczema as having a mind of its own, noting its unpredictable nature. “You don’t know what your day is going to feel like. You don’t know what food is going to trigger it. You don’t know what stress is going to trigger it. You’re just, you’re learning how to manage it every day,” she remarked.
She highlighted the inconvenience of flare-ups, recounting an incident where a flare-up appeared in the middle of her eye, which her makeup artist had to cover. Rowland expressed how such episodes can affect one’s confidence and self-perception.
Rowland Heard Lots Of Misinformation And Disinformation About Eczema
Rowland recalled that when she first learned about her eczema 11 years ago, she was prescribed a topical treatment for temporary relief. However, after her diagnosis, she encountered overwhelming and often incorrect advice, particularly from social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook, where misinformation is prevalent.
These platforms host numerous influencers promoting varied opinions and remedies, often without transparent motives.
Rowland Emphasized The Importance Of Seeing Real Doctors And Advocating For Yourself
Kelly Rowland has emphasized the importance of being aware of your surroundings and body and advocating for yourself. (Photo by Paras Griffin/WireImage)
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Rowland stressed the importance of consulting qualified medical professionals rather than attempting self-diagnosis. “I think that that’s where sometimes we try to self-diagnose, and I didn’t go to school for this,” she said, highlighting the need for expert guidance. Just as one would choose a qualified professional for recording an album, selecting the right doctor is crucial.
She encouraged individuals to advocate for themselves by asking questions, which can lead to better understanding and effective management of their condition. She emphasized the significance of awareness of one’s body and surroundings.
Rowland also suggested collaboration with specialists, particularly allergists, which she described as a “game changer.” Allergy tests have helped identify triggers for eczema flare-ups, benefiting both her and her son Noah, who also has eczema.
Rowland Has Made Lifestyle Changes To Manage Eczema
Following her diagnosis, Rowland implemented lifestyle changes, including avoiding certain foods like tomatoes and reducing alcohol consumption.
She also emphasized stress management through practices such as calm breathing, acknowledging stress as an inevitable trigger.
Regarding her son Noah’s experience with eczema, Rowland explained how environmental factors can exacerbate his symptoms, necessitating immediate measures like changing clothes and bathing to alleviate discomfort.
Rowland Also Takes Medications For Eczema
Rowland has incorporated medications into her eczema management strategy, including the use of a biologic called Ebglyss. This medication works by blocking specific proteins that cause inflammation associated with eczema. She collaborates with the manufacturer, Lilly, to raise awareness about eczema and its treatments.
Rowland also starred in a movie titled “Relationship Goals,” released on Amazon Prime this past Valentine’s Day. In the film, her character overcomes struggles with the help of relationship advice. Similarly, Rowland has found guidance in managing her relationship with eczema, allowing her to move forward positively.
