Eczema’s Effect on Mental Health: A Burden on Body and Mind

Survey Reveals Alarming Impact of Eczema on Mental Health

Eczema wreaks havoc on mental health, new survey reveals.

Eczema can wreak havoc not only on the body but also on the mind, according to a recent survey[^1^]. It turns out that people with eczema are more likely to experience depression and anxiety, especially when other allergic symptoms come into play[^1^]. Imagine the itchiness, the dry and cracked skin, the disrupted sleep—eczema takes away more than just physical comfort[^1^]. It takes a toll on the quality of life and general well-being. No wonder 72% of patients with atopic dermatitis (AD)—the medical term for eczema—reported symptoms of poor mental health for up to 10 days in the previous month[^1^].

But wait, there’s more. About 17% of those surveyed said they had symptoms of poor mental health for 11 days or more[^1^]. That’s a significant amount of time to bear the burden of eczema-related emotional and psychological distress. As Allison Loiselle, lead study author, puts it, “People who don’t have AD don’t understand how debilitating it can be”[^1^]. It’s not just the itching and cracked skin that causes suffering; it’s also the chronic and unpredictable nature of the condition leading to depression and anxiety[^1^].

Revealing Statistics and Oversights

The survey, which involved nearly 1,000 people with eczema, shed light on some startling statistics[^1^]. Despite the mental toll eczema takes, one-third of patients had never discussed mental health with their allergist, and 57% had never been asked about it[^1^]. However, upliftingly, nearly half of the patients reported being referred to mental health services by their allergists[^1^]. Looking at these numbers, it’s clear that there is still room for improvement in addressing the mental health implications of living with eczema.

Tamara Hubbard, a licensed clinical professional counselor, emphasizes the emotional and psychological impact of eczema, from relentless itching to concerns about appearance[^1^]. Social impairment, emotional and behavioral problems, and even thoughts of suicide have been reported by individuals living with eczema[^1^]. The key, Hubbard suggests, is to seek treatment from both an allergist and a mental health professional to manage the physical and emotional aspects of the condition.

What Can We Learn?

Studies presented at medical meetings are considered preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal, but they provide valuable insights nonetheless[^1^]. This recent survey reinforces the need for a comprehensive approach to eczema management. It highlights the urgency of acknowledging and addressing the impact of eczema on mental health, in addition to physical symptoms, within the healthcare system. It’s time to have open discussions about mental health during eczema treatment.

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So, if you or someone you know struggles with eczema, remember that you’re not alone. Seek support, explore treatment options, and don’t hesitate to talk to your allergist about the emotional and psychological impact of the condition. Together, we can minimize the burden that eczema places on both the body and the mind.

## QUESTION {: style=“text-align: center;”}

Eczema (also atopic eczema or atopic dermatitis) is a general medical term for many types of skin inflammation.