Coping With the Emotional Impact of Eczema

Living with eczema is not just about dealing with the physical symptoms of red, dry, itchy skin or scaly, blistered and crusted patches. The emotional side of eczema experiences can also have a profound impact on a person's mental health and emotional state. The anxiety-stress-eczema cycle can be incredibly hard to break, disrupting sleep patterns and daily life while taking an emotional toll.

For many people living with eczema, addressing sleep deprivation is essential to improve their well-being. Extreme itchiness can keep a person awake at night, leading to fatigue and mood swings during the day. Exercise benefits not only physical health but can also reduce anxious feelings related to skin discomfort.

Support groups and psychological therapy can provide additional help for those struggling emotionally with eczema and related skin conditions. Simply involving others who understand the challenges of living with eczema can be comforting, especially when the rash appears predominately on the face causing embarrassment or extreme problems with clothing or makeup choices. In this article, we will explore strategies for coping with the emotional impact of eczema while managing symptoms effectively.

Pam Moore, 43, experienced severe eczema on her upper lip. She described the emotional stress she experienced during an eczema flare as "incredibly hard to deal with". Moore has been dealing with eczema for over a decade now and said that this time around was the worst she had ever experienced.

Moore partially credits her move to a cooler drier climate for the improvement in her eczema symptoms. She also remains physically active as a certified personal trainer, which has helped her cope with the long run of living with eczema. Despite her struggles, she remains positive and embraces the beauty surrounding her in nature while exercising amidst beautiful scenery.

Eczema is not just a physical condition but also takes a toll on one's mental health, which is often overlooked or ignored. The emotional side of eczema experiences can be overwhelming and challenging to manage. Pam Moore's story sheds light on how important it is to understand and address both the physical and emotional aspects of living with eczema.

Scientific evidence connecting diet and eczema symptoms is gaining more attention in recent years. Many people with eczema have experienced allergic reactions to certain foods such as dairy, gluten, and nuts. On the other hand, some have found success eating a Mediterranean diet filled with anti-inflammatory foods like omega-3 fatty acids and probiotic-rich foods. It is common sense that a healthy well-balanced diet can positively impact our overall health, including eczema flares.

Consuming sugar, caffeine, alcohol, processed foods and those high in trans fats may trigger eczema symptoms for some individuals. While it may be difficult to eliminate these foods entirely from one's diet, reducing their intake may offer relief from eczema symptoms. Furthermore, incorporating lifestyle tips such as stress management techniques and regular exercise can also help manage eczema symptoms.

It's worth considering your child's diet if they experience food allergies or eczema symptoms. Identifying trigger foods is important in managing the condition effectively. Consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietician who can provide guidance on an appropriate meal plan for your child that includes nutrient-dense whole foods while avoiding potential allergens. Remember that everyone is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another – trust your gut feeling when it comes to selecting the right plan for you!

If you're looking for the latest eczema news, signing up for the National Eczema Association (NEA) newsletter is a great start. But did you know that NEA offers segmentation options to tailor your newsletter experience to your specific needs? Whether you're looking for support for yourself or a loved one, are in a primary relationship with someone who has eczema, or fall into the eczema 13-17 age range, NEA can customize their content to fit your situation.

To sign up for NEA's newsletter with segmentation options, simply enter your email in the "hidden" e-news opt-in field on their website. You'll be asked to confirm your subscription via email. This process is just for validation purposes and ensures that you'll receive only the content you want from NEA - no corporate interest or other spammy newsletters cluttering up your inbox! So what are you waiting for? Sign up now and stay informed about all things related to eczema.

A recent survey by the National Eczema Association revealed that individuals living with atopic dermatitis and other inflammatory skin diseases are prone to mental health issues. Our bodies communicate in various ways, and when there is an inflammatory response on the skin, it can cause mental health issues. Symptoms such as feeling hopeless, decreased energy feeling tired, difficulty concentrating, restlessness unable to sleep or problems sleeping, and weight change may be connected to your mental health.

If you are experiencing symptoms of atopic dermatitis or another inflammatory skin disease, note your mood, including anxiety. It is essential to talk to your healthcare provider about your mental health concerns as they might be a side effect of medication such as asthma medication montelukast. If you are taking montelukast and experiencing symptoms such as depression or anxiety, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

It is important to prioritize one's mental health when dealing with atopic dermatitis or other inflammatory skin diseases. You may want to consider talking to a mental health specialist who can help you manage symptoms and provide support during difficult times. Remember that it's okay not to feel okay; seeking help is a sign of strength rather than weakness. Take care of yourself mentally and physically; it's essential for overall well-being.

Eczema can be an extremely tough process emotionally and physically, as Elin Alexander, 31, knows all too well. From a young age, Alexander experienced severe eczema symptoms, including dyshidrotic eczema and tiny intensely itchy blisters seborrheic dermatitis. As she got older, Alexander's eczema became more aggressive, causing hot itchy and uncomfortable flares that naturally impacted her focus at work.

In 2021, Alexander learned about the adverse effects of topical steroids from the National Eczema Association. After experiencing severe side effects like insomnia and excessive hair loss from using topical steroids in the past, she decided to go through topical steroid withdrawal (TSW) to manage her severe symptoms. The TSW process proved to be physically and emotionally challenging for Alexander.

The toughest part of the journey was feeling lonely and unseen during this emotional rollercoaster. However, Alexander found solace in staying positive with the help of her husband, friends, and fellow TSW warriors she met online. She also found accessible information on best practices for managing eczema with fragrance-free skin care products recommended by others who had been through similar experiences. Ultimately, she feels empowered knowing that she is not alone in this struggle.

Living with eczema is not easy. The emotional side of the experience can be just as challenging as the physical symptoms. Growing up in humid Houston, my eczema-induced dark spots and angry skin rash made me self-conscious. I remember one day in third grade, a boy in class commented on my legs, saying they looked "weird." This was a moment that I can never forget.

As an adult, I still struggle with eczema. Though the symptoms have improved over time, the condition has proven to be equally challenging emotionally. To this day, I am conscious of my skin and try to take care of it as best I can. This means rarely wearing jewelry or using minimal makeup, as even small irritants can cause an allergic reaction. People don't always understand how sensitive skin can be a shared risk factor for other health issues.

According to a systematic review by dermatologists, there are 6 signs that your skin is sensitive: dryness, itching or burning sensations, redness or bumps after using products or exposure to environmental factors like heat or cold weather, increased sensitivity to touch or pressure, allergic reactions or contact dermatitis from specific ingredients in products and stinging or tingling sensation when applying certain products. It's important to recognize these signs and take steps to care for your skin appropriately. For those living with eczema, this means avoiding harsh chemicals and opting for natural remedies like oatmeal baths or coconut oil rather than harsher skin-bleaching products that may further irritate the skin.