Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a common skin condition characterized by itchy, red, and inflamed skin. It often develops in early childhood and can persist into adulthood. While the exact causes of eczema are not fully understood, it is known that genetics, immune system dysfunction, and environmental triggers all play a role.
In recent years, a connection between eczema and mental health conditions like anxiety has been suggested. Some research indicates that there may be a bidirectional relationship between eczema and anxiety – eczema symptoms can lead to anxiety, and anxiety can in turn worsen eczema. Keep reading to learn more about the potential link between eczema and anxiety.
Can Eczema Cause Anxiety?
For many people with eczema, the constant itching and discomfort can take a major toll on quality of life and mental health. Here are some of the ways eczema may lead to increased anxiety:
Physical discomfort – The itchiness and pain of eczema flares can make it difficult to relax or focus on daily tasks. The discomfort and sleep disturbances can wear people down over time.
Self-consciousness – Eczema often occurs on visible parts of the body, like the face and hands. Many people feel embarrassed or self-conscious about their appearance during flares.
Unpredictability of flares – It can be stressful when eczema symptoms flare up suddenly and seemingly at random. The unpredictability makes it hard to make plans or know how one’s skin will look day-to-day.
Treatment frustrations – It often takes time and perseverance to find an effective eczema treatment. The process of trying different medications only to have them lose effectiveness can be demoralizing.
Social isolation – Some people with severe eczema purposely avoid social activities when their skin is flaring badly. Isolation and loneliness may contribute to anxiety.
Sleep disturbances – Eczema’s nighttime itching can make it very difficult to sleep well. Insufficient sleep is known to exacerbate anxiety.
Daily limitations – Eczema can make it harder to participate in activities like sports, exercise, yardwork, cooking, or cleaning. The inability to do things one enjoys can contribute to anxiety.
In summary, many different aspects of living with eczema can take a toll on mental health over time. People with eczema report higher rates of anxiety compared to the general population.
Can Anxiety Worsen Eczema?
Just as eczema can lead to anxiety, the reverse is also true – anxiety seems to be capable of exacerbating eczema symptoms. Some ways anxiety may worsen eczema include:
Stress exacerbates inflammation – Stress hormones and neurotransmitters released during anxiety can increase inflammatory responses in the body, which may worsen inflammatory skin conditions.
Immune system dysfunction – Stress and anxiety may dysregulate the immune system, potentially reducing immune tolerance and allowing eczema flares to occur.
Itch-scratch cycle – Anxiety can make people more focused on itchy sensations and more likely to scratch. Scratching causes further skin damage.
Poor sleep – Anxiety and worry often disrupt sleep. Lack of sleep is a common eczema flare trigger.
Reduced self-care – People experiencing anxiety may neglect skincare routines and avoid social events, indirectly worsening eczema.
Increased tension – Muscle tension caused by anxiety may exacerbate nerve sensations and itching.
Higher cortisol – Anxiety increases cortisol levels, and some research suggests cortisol may aggravate eczema.
The above mechanisms provide plausible ways anxiety could directly exacerbate eczema symptoms. People with both conditions often report their eczema worsens during times of high stress.
The Eczema-Anxiety Connection
Given the potential for eczema and anxiety to aggravate one another, researchers have been interested in studying the relationship between the two conditions:
High eczema prevalence in anxious populations – Multiple studies have found high eczema rates in people with diagnosed anxiety disorders and symptoms. Up to 46% of people with social anxiety also have eczema.
High anxiety prevalence in eczema populations – Among people diagnosed with eczema, up to 48% also have an anxiety disorder. Rates of anxiety symptoms and disorders are higher in eczema groups.
Earlier eczema onset linked to more anxiety – People who develop eczema at an earlier age exhibit higher rates of anxiety later in life. Earlier onset eczema may disrupt normal emotional development.
Simultaneous onset – In some cases anxiety and eczema seem to arise simultaneously, suggesting they may develop together.
Genetic links – A few genes, such as FILAGGRIN, have been associated with both eczema and anxiety, pointing to a shared genetic risk.
Brain-skin interactions – Communication pathways between the nervous system, immune system, and skin may help explain the eczema-anxiety connection.
While more research is still needed, the current evidence overwhelmingly demonstrates a strong association between eczema and anxiety disorders and symptoms.
Managing Eczema Anxiety
If you suffer from both eczema and anxiety, there are effective ways to manage both conditions:
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) – CBT focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns that contribute to anxiety. CBT can teach skills for reducing eczema-related anxiety.
Relaxation techniques – Methods like deep breathing, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation help counteract the physical effects of anxiety. Practicing daily can reduce anxiety and eczema flares.
Guided imagery – Imagining peaceful scenes in your mind has been shown to lower stress and promote physical healing. Some recordings are specifically designed for eczema.
Support groups – Joining an eczema or chronic illness support group can help reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Avoid triggers – Prevent flares by identifying and avoiding environmental stressors and anxiety triggers when possible.
Topical creams – CBD, menthol, and capsaicin creams provide localized pain relief and may reduce eczema-related anxiety.
Prescription medication – For severe anxiety interfering with daily functioning, medications like SSRIs and SNRIs may be warranted in combination with therapy.
Learning anxiety management skills and making lifestyle adjustments can help prevent eczema and anxiety from worsening each other. Speak to your doctor or a mental health professional if eczema-related anxiety is impacting your wellbeing.
The Bottom Line
Eczema and anxiety appear to have a bidirectional relationship, where each condition can increase the likelihood and severity of the other. Eczema symptoms and limitations can raise anxiety levels over time. Meanwhile, anxiety’s effects on the immune system and behaviors can exacerbate eczema flares. If you struggle with both eczema and anxiety, it is important to monitor and care for your mental health in addition to managing your skin symptoms. Practicing regular stress management, seeking support, and finding effective coping strategies for eczema flares can help break the cycle between the two conditions. Speaking with mental health and medical professionals is advised to come up with a treatment plan that addresses both your skin and mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my eczema actually be caused by my anxiety?
It is unlikely anxiety is the sole underlying cause of eczema in most cases. Eczema is known to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. However, anxiety may worsen existing eczema by increasing inflammation and disrupting the immune system. Managing anxiety symptoms can help reduce eczema flares.
Why do flare ups increase my anxiety so much?
Eczema flares can increase anxiety for many reasons. Flares cause uncomfortable physical symptoms and sleep disturbances which can wear people down over time. The unpredictability of flares also makes it hard to make plans. Feeling self-conscious about visible eczema and having to avoid activities during flares can also take a toll on mental health.
Are there techniques to stop scratching that can also help my anxiety?
Yes, using techniques to control the urge to scratch can benefit both your eczema and anxiety levels. Helpful techniques include cognitive behavioral therapy exercises to manage negative thoughts, relaxation techniques, guided imagery, biofeedback devices, maintaining short fingernails, covering skin, and using anxiety reduction topical creams on eczema-prone areas.
Could my anxiety treatments potentially improve my skin too?
It is quite possible that effectively managing anxiety symptoms could lead to improvements in eczema flares as well. This is because anxiety contributes to eczema by increasing inflammation and dysregulating the immune system. So treatments like CBT, medications, exercise, meditation, social support, and counseling that reduce anxiety may also stabilize the immune system and skin.
Is there a way to break the cycle between the two conditions?
You can help break the cycle where eczema and anxiety exacerbate each other by using integrative treatment strategies under guidance from your healthcare providers. Simultaneously treating both conditions using therapies, medications, lifestyle changes, and trigger avoidance is usually the most effective approach. Ongoing monitoring of mental health is also key.
Key Takeaways
- Eczema can lead to increased anxiety due to discomfort, lack of sleep, unpredictability of flares, and feeling self-conscious.
- Anxiety can in turn worsen eczema by increasing inflammation and disrupting immune function.
- Studies confirm a bidirectional relationship where people with eczema have higher anxiety rates, and vice versa.
- Managing anxiety symptoms may help stabilize eczema flares.
- Integrative treatment strategies that address both skin and mental health are optimal.
Conclusion
In summary, substantial scientific evidence over the past decade supports a strong connection between eczema and anxiety. Eczema’s physical and psychosocial impacts appear to increase anxiety risk, while anxiety involves changes to the body that can aggravate inflammatory skin conditions. Overall, the relationship between the two conditions is complex and bidirectional. People dealing with both eczema and anxiety symptoms can benefit from an integrated treatment approach that accounts for mental health struggles alongside skin care. By being proactive about anxiety management and seeking both medical and mental health support, it is possible to prevent anxiety and eczema from exacerbating one another.