Skin Conditions Like Eczema and Psoriasis Take a Toll on Mental Health
"Thirty-two million Americans deal with some form of eczema, and 7.5 million have psoriasis. While these conditions come with obvious physical symptoms, the mental impact of dealing with a chronic skin condition can be just as severe.
Links to Depression and Anxiety
As research shows, the relationship between skin conditions and negative emotions is cyclical, as distress can spark flare-ups in skin conditions, which can then fuel further distress.
Psychological Impact
Lauren, who deals with eczema breakouts, says that, because the physical pain of the condition alone can keep you from doing things you love, feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness can creep up, as well.
"It can make you feel jealous of people around you," Lauren says. "Having an ugly skin disorder is embarrassing to be out in public, especially around people you don’t know. You feel uncomfortable, like people are judging you or they’re worried you could spread a disease to them. You feel alone, no one can really understand your physical and mental pain you are going through."
Tools To Cope
@comfortableNight4463
Hello!
I struggle with eczema actually. I never thought
about it being a contributor to my mental health. So, this article was very
informative. Thanks for sharing! 🌿🌺
@innateJoy9602 Hi! I hope you're able to manage well. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
This was interesting to read. May i also add that alopecia can have a massive impact on a person's mental wellbeing. Especially as a woman.
It took me a long time to accept it and then to accept being out in the world and the prejudices of others. It takes courage to look different, but we already have that courage inside ourselves. Because it takes a brave person to live alongside mental illness.
We are beautiful regardless, because the soul's beauty transcends any other. Hold your head up, be proud because you are unique. You are you...and that is very special.
@sooty41 Indeed! Thanks for sharing your experience. This is very well worded. Beauty is what we make of it, not what society tells us to. I hope everyone can accept themselves for who they are and not what society pushes.
@comfortableNight4463 Thank you for bringing this up! Actually society lacks education around skin concerns. Sometimes there are stereotypes that make the time of those who suffer with these skin conditions very challenging. This would totally explain the link between skin concerns and mental health. We need to take action, inform and prevent people from being scared of nothing. Thank you for the post!
@calmDew1576 Well said! Skin conditions are nothing to be ashamed of. I feel like societal awareness would help de-stigmatize it. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
I think people are fairly ignorant on how severe they can be.
I have severe eczema & contact dermititis plus I do have other conditions.
My vision gets affected. I have had times where I couldn't really do much at all when it was very flared up. My skin was raw and oozing, eating hurt, the air hurt, clothing hurt and the infection risk was high. It has triggered angioedema swells. During a very sudden flareup I ended up in the emergency room, while there I had a throat attack. I needed an IV of 3 different medications plus they were worried about the effects it was having on me so ran a bunch of bloodwork.
I go for in-clinic treatment. Some of the treatment options that exist are not safe due to other conditions that I have.
As for specialists helping with triggers, yes and no. It depends on what they are. My last flareup was due to a prescription medication, I do not know the ingredient. I contacted multiple specialists for help and didn't get any. I don't know if it was the actual medication or one of the inactive ingredients and apparently there aren't tests.
@AffyAvo I agree! People usually brush them aside and consider them not as severe. But that's totally wrong. I'm so sorry you had to go through all this. Managing these illnesses can be so tough. Thanks for sharing your experience and helping spread awareness!
