Eczema and Mental Health

Eczema tends to be one of those nagging recurring skin disorders that impact most if not all of us at various intervals. Eczema is a skin condition that causes dry and itchy patches of skin. It’s a common condition that is not contagious. Symptoms of eczema can flare up if you contact an irritant or an allergen. It is a type of dermatitis, which is a group of conditions that can inflame or irritate your skin. The most common type is atopic dermatitis or atopic eczema. “Atopic” means that you're more likely to get allergic conditions such as asthma and hay fever. Most people can manage their symptoms by getting treatment and by avoiding irritants, things that can affect your skin when you come into contact with them. Extreme itchiness is the most common symptom of eczema, and scratching that itch only makes it worse. Alarmingly, over 31 million Americans have eczema. The periods when symptoms are at their worst are called “flare-ups.” These can last days or even weeks. One of the first signs of eczema is a rash that looks different on different individuals. For those with darker skin, the rash can be purple, brown, or gray. If you have a light skin tone, the rash can look pink, red, or purple. Eczema and Mental Health. Unfortunately, too many of us take our mental state for granted. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community. It is an integral component of health and well-being that underpins our individual and collective abilities to make decisions, build relationships and shape the world we live in. Mental health is a basic human right. And it is crucial to personal, community and socio-economic development. Mental health is more than the absence of mental disorders. It exists on a complex continuum, which is experienced differently from one person to the next, with varying degrees of difficulty and distress and potentially very different social and clinical outcomes. The WHO adds that mental health conditions include mental disorders and psychosocial disabilities as well as other mental states associated with significant distress, impairment in functioning, or risk of self-harm. People with mental health conditions are more likely to experience lower levels of mental well-being, but this is not always or necessarily the case. There is a strong link between eczema and emotion. While stress, anxiety, and depression don’t cause eczema, they can set off a physical reaction that includes inflammation. This can make flare-ups worse. It works the other way as well. Having eczema can make it more likely that you will have issues with mental health. One study found that more than 30% of adults with eczema also have a diagnosis of depression, anxiety, or both. Children who have the condition are two to six times more likely to also have anxiety, depression, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) than those who do not. Additionally, if they have other atopic conditions such as asthma, their risk goes up. There are many things you can do to help yourself manage your mental health when you have eczema. Meditation, spending time outside, and exercise are some things that can help you handle stress and feel calmer. If you have symptoms of depression for 2 weeks or more, do not delay in speaking with your doctor right away. It is possible that your doctor may suggest that you join a support group or start therapy with a mental health professional. Signs of depression to watch for include: Feeling sad, empty, or hopeless, being unable to concentrate, low energy, loss of interest in hobbies or activities you usually enjoy and suicidal thoughts. Types of Eczema . Eczema includes conditions such as: Atopic dermatitis This is what people usually mean when they say “eczema.” This is the most common form, and it affects more than 7% of American adults. Other allergic disorders, such as asthma and hay fever, can trigger it. It often starts in childhood. Contact dermatitis Nearly everyone gets this at some point in their lives. It happens when your skin comes into contact with something that causes a rash. The trigger can cause irritation or an allergic reaction. Triggers are unique to each person and vary depending on the type of contact dermatitis. Contact dermatitis has two main types: Dyshidrotic Eczema This is a less common but more challenging form of eczema. It causes outbreaks of tiny blisters on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and sides of the fingers. Sweat or irritants such as metals may trigger it. Neurodermatitis This type of eczema tends to cause just one or two intensely itchy patches, often on the back of your neck, arm, or leg. Risk factors include having another form of eczema, such as atopic or contact dermatitis, or just very dry skin. Some mental health issues, including anxiety disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), can also trigger it. Those assigned female at birth (AFAB) between the ages of 30 and 50 have a higher chance of getting it than other people. Nummular eczema This coin-shaped eczema often appears after a skin injury such as a burn or insect bite. You’re more likely to get nummular eczema if you or your family members have atopic dermatitis, allergies, or asthma. Seborrheic dermatitis This happens in areas of your body with lots of oil glands. When it’s on your scalp, it’s called dandruff. It shares a common link with some other skin conditions, such as psoriasis, acne, and rosacea, as well as a variety of other diseases. Stasis dermatitis This type happens in people who have poor blood flow, usually in their lower legs. Unlike some other types of eczema, these plaques don't mean you have abnormal genes. Some lifestyle habits raise the risk too, such as being overweight or not getting enough physical activity. Causes of Eczema. There is a lot in our environment that can irritate our skin. Some examples include exposure to smoke, air pollutants, harsh soaps, fabrics such as wool, and some skin care products. Low humidity (dry air) can cause your skin to become dry and itchy. Heat and high humidity can cause sweating and that can make your itchiness even worse. When you contact a trigger, your immune system assumes that these small irritants are foreign invaders, like bacteria or viruses that can harm your body. As a result, the triggers activate your body’s natural defense system. Your immune system’s defense is to create inflammation. Inflammation causes symptoms of eczema on your skin. Eczema can show up anywhere on your skin. The most common places where you will notice symptoms of eczema include on your hands, neck, elbows, ankles, knees, feet, face, in and around ears, lips, penis, nipples, breast and folds of skin near the vagina. Having eczema does not mean you cannot enjoy a hot summer day or a cold winter night. However, one should be aware that very hot or very cold, extreme temperatures can affect eczema. You can apply petroleum jelly to very dry, cracked areas that need extra protection. Treating and managing eczema can be difficult. It is important to consult your healthcare provider if you notice any flare up regarding your skin. Wayne Campbell is an educator and social commentator with an interest in development policies as they affect culture and or gender issues. waykam@yahoo.com @WayneCamo © #Eczema