Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition, but the effects go much further. Changes in skin color and texture can affect self-esteem, and constant itching, discomfort, and self-consciousness can cause emotional distress.
Together, these symptoms can lead to significant mental and physical health problems, including:
Emotional distress can also cause the body to release chemicals that cause inflammation, which can worsen eczema symptoms and lead to flare-ups. Especially during the transition from childhood to adolescence, stress can commonly become a trigger for eczema symptoms.
In this article, we take a closer look at the role of mental health care in managing eczema symptoms and provide strategies for managing your mental health with eczema.
Because emotional well-being can be significantly affected by eczema symptoms (and vice versa), taking care of your mental health is an important component of eczema care.
In a recent study, people with eczema who participated in an Internet-based therapy program had less frequent eczema symptoms after 12 weeks of treatment. These benefits lasted for up to a year after the therapy sessions were completed.
Compared to people who only received education about their disease and treatment, but did not participate in the therapy program, those who received therapy were also found to have:
- less intense itching
- lower stress levels
- less trouble sleeping
- lower levels of depression
There are many benefits of therapy for people with eczema, including physical and emotional relief. Therapists can also offer tips for coping with the stress of living with eczema and techniques to avoid constant scratching.
People with eczema may be prescribed a variety of therapies to help manage their mental health, such as:
- mindfulness-based therapy
- cognitive behavioral therapy
- anti-anxiety medications or antidepressants
Cognitive behavioral therapy, also known as CBT, is a type of therapy that focuses on changing your mindset and way of thinking to prevent unwanted behaviors. For people with eczema, that may mean developing strategies to prevent scratching in stressful situations.
Therapists can also help with relaxation techniques that can help you take care of your mental well-being by reducing stress. These may include exercises such as:
- awareness
- meditation
- hypnotherapy
Like the therapy program used in the study described above, some people may prefer Internet-based therapy. Even before the pandemic, online therapy was a growing industry that made it easy for people to connect with a therapist from their own homes.
But everyone is different, and some people may prefer in-person therapy to online sessions. If you are experiencing severe depression or anxiety due to eczema symptoms, your therapist may also prefer to start in person.
In addition to therapy, there are steps you can take on your own to protect your mental health.
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) offers some tips for coping with eczema-related stress.
- Connect with other people who have eczema. Having eczema can feel isolated, but it is actually one of the most common skin conditions. Connecting with others, such as through online support groups, can help boost self-esteem, reduce feelings of isolation, and help you learn new ways to cope with life with eczema.
- Learn effective strategies for stress management. If you find that you can’t relax or manage your stress on your own, a therapist can help you identify healthy coping strategies.
- Practice healthy habits. Try to eat well-balanced, nutritious meals, prioritize quality sleep, and try to get regular physical activity. This also means practicing healthy skin habits, like moisturizing frequently and using medications prescribed by your dermatologist.
- Connect with an eczema specialist. Dermatologists are experienced in treating eczema, which means their patients typically have fewer eczema symptoms, and in turn, less eczema-related stress than people treated by non-specialists. If you haven’t already, talk to your regular healthcare professional about connecting with a dermatologist in your area.
If you’re interested in meeting with a therapist, talk to your dermatologist to find someone who has experience working with people with eczema. They may be able to provide recommendations for someone who is already attuned to the unique needs and concerns that come with living with a chronic skin condition.
You can also try using an online directory for therapists in your area. You can filter by specialties such as chronic pain or chronic illness, as well as accepted insurance.
Your dermatologist can also connect you with eczema support groups or communities that can refer you to therapists in your area (or online) with eczema expertise.
Before your first appointment, be sure to call your insurance company or clinic to find out if your health plan covers the therapy and what costs you can expect.
The relationship between mental health and skin symptoms in eczema is complex and bidirectional. Itching, irritation, and discoloration can be stressful, and stress can make eczema symptoms worse. This leads to a cycle of physical and emotional distress that can cause low self-esteem and mental health problems.
Research shows that people with eczema can benefit from seeing a therapist who can help them develop healthy coping strategies and relaxation techniques to reduce stress, which in turn can help relieve eczema-related symptoms.
If you find that you are experiencing intrusive or negative thoughts related to your eczema, your dermatologist can help connect you with a therapist who understands your unique needs.
