Eczema and Mental Health

There are many studies that explore the correlation between one’s physical and mental health - with eczema, this correlation exists.

Let’s take a brief look at this relationship:

The Physical Side: Eczema

Firstly, let's define what this skin condition is. Eczema "is a chronic inflammatory skin condition caused by overactivity in the immune system." This condition manifests on the skin as irritation, itchiness, swelling, dryness, or looking scale-like.

The Mental Side: Fight-or-Flight Mode

When stress (in relation to various mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, trauma, and the like) enters the picture, your body goes into fight-or-flight mode. It releases hormones like cortisol, in particular. When your body constantly experiences stress — and in turn, an influx of cortisol — a range of negative effects could await you, from heart disease, to elevated blood sugar levels, a suppressed immune system, digestive problems, and more.

The Correlation

Now that we know exactly what happens on a physical level and on a mental level, here’s how eczema enters the picture.

As mentioned previously, when there's an overstimulation of cortisol, it "can suppress the immune system and cause an inflammatory response in the skin". It can also increase the production of oil glands, as well as aggravate eczema flare-ups.

With that being said, there’s a possible cycle that takes place particularly when you, your child, or someone you know suffers from eczema: when one is stressed or experiences anxiety, an eczema flare-up may happen; which could cause more stress or anxiety, eventually leading to more flare-ups.

How to Manage

It's normal to experience certain amounts of stress in a day. However, if you feel your eczema flare-ups are already affecting your mental health on a regular basis, or if your mental health manifests itself constantly as eczema flare-ups, it may be time to seek professional help.

You might be prescribed medication, recommended to seek therapy, and/or you may be given suggestions on how to modify your lifestyle.

When it comes to managing your eczema, however, you can read our article on Make That Lifestyle Change. One tip involves following a skincare regimen.

Mometasone furoate (Elica®) products can help stop itching, reduce redness, ease swelling, and provide relief within 24 hours. Mometasone furoate (Elica®) cream is applied on thin skin (e.g. your face) and moist lesions, while Mometasone furoate (Elica®) ointment is applied on dry lesions and thickened skin.

Take care of your mental health; take care of your physical health (including your skin), too! If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.

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