How does eczema affect mental health?

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic skin condition. It causes dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. (No not just in children!) Eczema can be triggered by stress, diet, allergens, and weather changes. Living with eczema can impact most areas of life! Especially when flares are regular or severe. It might seem surprising if you’ve never had it, so let’s break it down:

Social life

It can impact social life as people tend to stay indoors or cancel plans. This can either be due to how their skin looks, or how uncomfortable they are physically. At home we have our creams, ice packs, baggy clothes and fans. Skin conditions can cause isolation as we hide away where it’s most comfortable.

Appearance

How eczema looks can cause low self-esteem, confidence and self-worth. Itching and skin picking can cause shame and embarrassment. If you feel no-one understands the impact of this and your emotions, it can be very isolating, even when you’re around people. It might mean people try to cover it up, with clothes or make-up, and compare themselves to others.

Finances

The special products, clothing, bedding, prescriptions, diets, private medical appointments or trying things like acupuncture. It all creates an extra financial pressure!

Exercise

Unfortunately when you are physically uncomfortable or exhausted from healing, it makes it very hard to have any motivation for fitness. Sweating can cause itching and redness, which people like to avoid! Plus, it’s common to shower after exercise, which can be another uncomfortable experience.

Travel & anything new

Eczema can cause worries over travel and trying anything new, whether it’s an activity or a food. The unknown is a real fear. What kind of bedding with the air B&B have? What food will the hotel serve? Will the dry recycled air on the plane cause a flare? Will the plants there cause allergies?

Jobs and career

I had to leave a job in a lab due to my skin condition and an allergy. I know others who can’t work in jobs such as a bakery, due to flaky skin falling off. Allergens can lurk in any work place.

Relationships

I know my boyfriend (now husband) certainly became my carer and it changed the dynamics of the relationship. I’m still working on this. Friends, family or co-workers may need to provide support. Physical intimacy is often impacted. Whether it’s from the pain and discomfort of touch on the skin, or the low self-esteem and body image.

It’s not surprising, looking at this list, to see eczema would impact ones mental health. People with skin conditions are much more likely to suffer from anxiety, depression and even suicidal thoughts. Eczema, and other skin conditions like rosacea or vitiligo, all require a certain amount of mental health support. Whether that’s more acts of self-care, from family, or seeking professional help through therapy.

Therapy can help you deal with your skin condition in the best way and minimise the impact it has on your life.