Eczema and your Emotions

Dr. Nasir, in his book Eczema-Free For Life, discusses the emotional toll that eczema can have on patients. The unpredictability of flare-ups can be stressful, and as all patients know, the itching can be overwhelming and the lack of sleep can cause irritability. Stress also makes eczema worse. Dr. Nasir explains that when you are stressed, your blood vessels attract white blood cells, which cause inflammation. For eczema patients, stress leads to inflammation being triggerd inside and outside the body. Thus, finding ways to combat negative feelings is essential.

The first step is to take control of your eczema. Develop a careful skincare routine and stick to it. Make any lifestyle changes necessary to improve your condition. Learn about your disease. Read some of the great books written about it. Find a dermatologist you like and trust to help you manage your condition.

Second, accept your emotional responses as part of the disease. Dr. Nasir notes that patients may develop self-loathing about the way they look, anger at having to suffer from the condition, fear at facing a life having to cope with unending itching, stress about flare-ups, and also depression when it seems like no treatments help and the suffering has no end in sight. Accepting these emotions instead of suppressing them is critical.

Next, try ways to improve your emotional outlook when your eczema gets you down or angry. Maybe there is music that lifts your spirits or funny movies you enjoy. Make a list of positive things in your life. Perhaps guided meditation tapes or yoga classes can recenter you and take your mind off the eczema. Be kind to yourself. If your anger or depression becomes severe, be sure to find professional help. A professional that can help you improve your mental outlook will also improve your skin.

Finally, develop a support network of friends and family to help you cope. Educate them about eczema and about what you need from them to be able to handle your condition better. Be sure to explain to them the challenges you face in dealing with your eczema. Non-sufferers will not fully understand what it is like to live with the condition. Being clear and honest can be the most effective. Dr. Nasir recommends being able to say things like: "My rash is acting up, I feel uncomfortable and itchy. I'm sorry, I'll have to stay home, but I'd love to talk to you tomorrow."

Also, make sure you get enough sleep. This can really alter your emotional response and thus the condition of your skin. If you are having trouble sleeping, ask your doctor about an antihistamine to make you drowsy.