Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin disease. When an individual is under a lot of stress, this skin disorder can worsen. A wide range of stressful triggers can increase symptoms associated with eczema, irritating the skin further.
If you suffer from eczema, consider the various eczema treatment options. Relief is possible when you visit a dermatology specialist. A specialist can examine your skin, diagnose the type of eczema, and offer treatments to improve your quality of life.
Types of Eczema
Stress worsens eczema by triggering inflammation through stress hormones. Inflammation weakens the skin’s protective barrier and triggers flare-ups.
Eczema is categorized into seven different forms:
- Dyshidrotic eczema: appears on the hands and feet
- Seborrheic dermatitis: appears on the hands
- Neurodermatitis: causes itchy skin patches, but no inflammation
- Contact dermatitis: appears anywhere after skin contact with a substance
- Stasis dermatitis: appears on the lower legs and may present with vascular issues
- Nummular eczema: appears as round rashes on the arms and legs
- Atopic dermatitis: appears where the skin bends, such as elbow creases
Atopic dermatitis is the most common type of eczema. However, the majority of eczema types showcase inflamed, burning, or itchy patches of skin.
Causes of Eczema
There are several reasons why an individual may be diagnosed with eczema. The cause of eczema may be due to:
- A genetic predisposition or family history of eczema
- Environmental triggers such as the weather, stress, and certain foods
- Impaired skin barrier leading to skin infections, dry skin, or skin patches
- Immune dysregulation due to overstimulation caused by irritants, allergens, or inflammation
If a person experiences any of the above, they may develop eczema and its associated symptoms.
Eczema Symptoms
Those with eczema may find the symptoms difficult to tolerate on a daily basis. Some symptoms can be more severe than others.
Those with eczema can experience the following:
- Lesions
- Crusting of the skin
- Swelling
- Discoloration of the skin
- Scaly skin patches
- Severe itching
- Inflamed skin
- Dry skin
- Rough skin
In addition to these physical symptoms, other issues may develop, such as:
- Sleep disturbances due to painful lesions
- Persistent scratching of itchy skin
- Anxiety surrounding the appearance of eczema
- Mood problems
- Exhaustion
Symptoms of eczema extend beyond the physical. Due to varying degrees of skin inflammation, sleep disturbances can occur. Additionally, eczema can have a mental impact on people, leading to anxiety or depression.
How Stress Triggers Eczema
According to the National Library of Medicine, stress impacts individuals in various ways, including psychological stress triggered by physiological factors. Triggers may include infections, allergies, or illness.
Other, more frequent causes of flare-ups include:
- Financial problems
- Lack of structure at work
- School exams
- Family problems
- Work overload
- Unforeseen events or triggers
- Psychological stress, including depression
- Climate
- Cosmetic concerns
Any of the above can worsen eczema symptoms. These psychological stressors can be just as triggering and stressful as physical issues such as dry and itchy skin.
How to Treat Eczema and Relieve Stress
Treating eczema may feel less than ideal, as lesions and patches of skin are prone to itching and burning. Treatment may feel slightly uncomfortable, but patients should not experience any pain.
There are numerous ways to treat eczema. Those diagnosed with eczema may find relief in the following ways:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Medications such as antihistamines
- UV light treatment
- Topical corticosteroids
- Other forms of psychotherapy
- Exercise
- Climate therapy
From UV light treatments to talk therapy, these types of treatments can be beneficial for those suffering from eczema and experiencing stress. Speak with a dermatologist to find the proper treatment for your specific needs.
Find Eczema Treatment
At Dermatology Sarasota, we provide tailored care to your specific needs. We offer eczema treatments by our board-certified dermatologist Dr. Ilya Lim who has years of experience. Learn more about your condition and treatment options by contacting us today.