Wednesday, March 20, 2024
HomeMust ReadEczema Is Ruining My Life

Eczema Is Ruining My Life

Gary Says That Stress With His Family And Romantic Relationships Is A Key Trigger For His Eczema

Agressive Eczema Is Ruining His Life | Bad Skin Clinic

EMBED CODESo is that some of the techniques that your drama teacher taught you?Mental health and eczemaschool/collegereferred to by their doctorConfidence and self-esteemschool, college, university and studiessocial life and hobbiesfriendships and romantic relationshipswork liferelationships with family membersvisible parts such as the face and handsEMBED CODEGrowing in confidence

Beyond Dry Skin: How Eczema Impacts Emotional Well

Adults living with this common skin condition, and its associated symptoms including itch, are more likely to have a negative emotional impact, including feelings of anxiety and depression.¹

For Karina Santana, now 27, eczema has been a part of her life since she was 8 or 9 years old when she first noticed the patches of dry skin on her arms. By the time she was a teenager, it had spread to her eyelids and around her mouth, impacting more than just her skin as she started to get bullied about it in school. Other kids would make fun of my face and just make really unnecessary comments, Santana says. It brought down my self-esteem.

That impact on her emotional well-being is something she still struggles with. Sometimes my self-esteem is there and I feel great and ready to conquer the day, other days I cant find something to wear that wont make me itch or that doesnt hide the eczema, and I dont want to go outside, she says. On the street I see people staring and I know theyre looking at my eczema. Or people at work will ask why my skin is so red. It takes a mental toll and can bring about negative emotions like feelings of anxiety and depression.

Santana isnt alone. Eczema can also impact peoples emotional well-being and can be associated with sleep disturbance, anxiety, and depression.2

Finally Are There Any Resources Youd Recommend For Healthcare Professionals Both To Read As Well As Giving To Their Patients

As I go along my eczema journey, I access lots of fantastic resources that have driven my hope and determination and have provided brilliant tips on how to deal with my condition. However, for every great resource, there are thousands of unreliable resources that, in my opinion, can be extremely damaging to a vulnerable individual suffering with eczema, desperate to find some relief. Therefore, I would highly recommend the National Eczema Society, and the National Eczema Association. They each share lots of evidence-based information and research, and give tips on how best to manage eczema including what treatments are currently available.

I would also highly recommend engaging with the eczema community online. This has been my greatest support and has allowed me to chat with others in a similar situation. Eczema can be difficult to understand and is often downplayed by non-sufferers, so having thousands of others that understand and empathise can be extremely helpful.

Thank you Grace @AllThings.Eczema for giving us a glimpse into what it is truly like to live with a chronic condition such as eczema. It was really informative. We will definitely be changing the way we practice, ensuring we focus on a holistic approach when treating those with eczema!

Thanks so much to The Aesthetic Medics and the lovely Grace for providing us with some incredible insight into eczema!

Recommended Reading: How To Tell If It’s Eczema

The Anxiety Stress Eczema Cycle

The persistent itch and ongoing sleepless nights caused by eczema is enough to cause anxiety and stress for just about anyone who suffers from the condition. The stress and anxiety can fuel the cycle of eczema flareups, because symptoms commonly cause a person with eczema to have anxiety and stress.

As symptoms increase, so too do the accompanying emotions of anxiety and stress, causing an unrelenting cycle that can quickly wear down a persons emotional well-being.

Children And Physical Activity

The o

Its vital for kids to engage in regular physical activity for many reasons. Not only does exercise help children burn off energy, it also lends itself to healthy development of muscles and bones and helps kids maintain a healthy height to weight ratio.

In addition, hormonal development happens during sleep. A child requires a healthy sleep pattern for normal hormone development. Regular exercise has been found in studies to help to improve sleep.

Sports activities can help kids feel good about themselves. Participating in team sports helps to build healthy relationships with other kids. Setting and meeting goals can help kids feel a great sense of accomplishment.

Read Also: Over The Counter Treatment For Ear Eczema

And Eczema Makes Three

Theres no doubt that eczema adds a layer of complexity to any relationship, but how you manage the situation can make all the difference, says Claire Moulds. This article was published in Exchange 181, September 2021.

From Sleepless in Seattle to Four Weddings and a Funeral, you would be hard pushed to find a trace of eczema in popular representations of romantic love. Of course, real-life relationships are far messier than the media would have us believe, but many of us still feel not good enough and, because its so visible, eczema can easily play on those vulnerabilities.

The Emotional Impact Of Eczema

Its not always obvious how much impact eczema can have on a person’s daily life. Coping with eczema is something that many people with the condition find challenging. The negative emotional effects of the symptoms can last for many years, even after the physical symptoms subside.

Eczema can affect people at any age, but it’s usually diagnosed during infancy or childhood. Statistically, nearly 10% to 20% of all infants will develop eczema approximately half of those who are diagnosed with the condition will outgrow it, having fewer symptoms as they age.

But some people continue to have eczema throughout their adult lifetime. Studies have found that people with eczema report that the condition negatively impacts their lives, exceeding those who have insulin-dependent diabetes.

Don’t Miss: Eczema Relief Cream Para Que Sirve

How Dyshidrotic Eczema Impacted My Life

But that said, not everybody in my life understood nor empathized with what I was going through. Not being able to use the palms of your hands can have a huge debilitating impact on the quality of your life.

I couldn’t wash my hands.

I couldn’t even touch water because of how badly it burned.

I couldn’t wash my hair! I can tell you that no matter how tight gloves are, water will still find its way in.

I could no longer go to the gym. I couldn’t touch any of the weights or the equipment because I couldn’t wash my hands.

Because I didnt want to get my hands dirty or touch anything in my home, I started wearing these blue gloves that I bought at Home Depot. I would keep a spare pack of those gloves in my car as well as my handbag. That way, I was always prepared if the pair of gloves that I was wearing ripped.

I also found, unfortunately, that people dont want to shake your hand when it doesn’t look normal.

They become uncomfortable to touch you because they think that you’re infected or dirty. I don’t necessarily blame them, but it doesn’t make it hurt any less when a person tries to bail out of shaking your hand.

I also had to stop teaching cooking classes, which was one of the things at the time that brought me the most joy.

Eventually I started to feel like someone had cursed me.

I was in the middle of Grad School studying to become a clinical nutritionist and I thought to myself, why on earth would anyone want to work with someone whose hands are a wreck?

Coping With The Emotional Symptoms Of Atopic Dermatitis

HOW ECZEMA RUINED MY LIFE! | STORYTIME

Eczema does not simply involve having skin discomfort. It can have a profound impact on a persons mental health, emotional state, and overall well-being. Eczema is a term for a group of related skin conditions that cause red, dry, itchy skin that can become scaly, blistered, crusted, or thickened.

A hallmark symptom of eczema is extreme itchiness that often keeps a person awake at night. Not only does eczema disrupt a persons sleep pattern, it can interfere with daily life and take an emotional toll.

For example, people with eczema are often unable to wear certain types of clothing, makeup, or other cosmetics. Often, the rash appears predominately on the face, causing embarrassment and for some, extreme problems with self-image.

Don’t Miss: Best Shampoo For Eczema Child

Your Experience Is Really Interesting And Hopefully By Raising Awareness We Can Improve The Way We Manage Those With Eczema Aiming For A More Holistic Approach Having Lived With Eczema For Many Years Is There Anything Youd Advise People Who Are Also Suffering From This Condition

This a difficult one only because I could go on and on! I would say firstly to make emollient therapy a priority. Im sure the words of your doctor or a parent/guardian are echoing in your mind as you read that, but it has taken me years to really appreciate the importance of a consistent emollient routine and finding an emollient that suits my skin. It can feel like a chore, but it is the best way to exert some control over the condition!

I would also encourage others to educate themselves on eczema. Education is absolutely key to understanding eczema and I believe that subsequently you become more equipped in dealing with and accepting your condition. Become the expert on your skin condition and this will set you in good stead to speak with healthcare professionals, ensuring that your expectations can be well communicated.

Setting boundaries has also been absolutely key for me. Trying to make people understand your condition will prove difficult and so, from experience, I would encourage setting boundaries and understanding that saying no does not make you a bad person prioritising your health, both mentally and physically, is incredibly important. Talk to friends and family, talk to professionals. Just talk! Write your feelings down. Anyway you can let your thoughts and feelings out to relieve the weight, do!

Keep Your Bowels Moving Regularly

Okay, so this is the least sexy tip on this list, but I placed it first because I think its the most important. TMI, but Ive struggled with constipation my whole life, and have just recently realized that its not normal to not poop every day. Over the past two years, Ive been focusing a lot on my gut health , and trying to pay more attention to my gut. It wasnt until I started working with a functional dietician two years ago that I realized that my constipation is affecting a lot of health-related aspects of my life, including my skin.

What I found to be incredibly interesting is that, when Im constipated and havent pooped in a day or two, I can feel the eczema itch start to creep up . But, once I have a bowel movement , that itchiness goes away and my eczema doesnt flare up.

If you think about it, BMs are your bodys way of getting rid of excess hormones. If youre not pooping, those excess hormones are sitting in your gut and will be reabsorbed into the bloodstream. This can potentially wreak havoc on your body .

Because of this, I prioritize my BMs over everything else. I am also testing to see if having regular, daily BMs is helping prevent my hormonal acne, but thats for another post! There are three things that have significantly helped me stay regular:

Eating beans

Drinking fiber powder

Taking BM pills when needed

Read Also: Dyshidrotic Eczema And Rheumatoid Arthritis

Hi Grace Thank You So Much For Taking The Time To Talk To Us About Your Eczema Journey And How It Impacts You Can You Tell Us A Little Bit About The Type Of Eczema You Have

Hi Girls! I actually have experienced three types of eczema. I wasnt aware until it happened to me, that you could suffer from more than one type, even at one time. My first experience was with atopic dermatitis, which developed when I was a toddler and settled relatively quickly. My next experience of eczema began in my teens when I developed what I now know to be contact dermatitis. This began not long after I started experimenting with makeup and I would have a constantly sore upper lip and eczema around my eyes. I found out years later that the eczema on my face and the excruciating cracked hands I would get all year round was a result of both Atopic and contact dermatitis, with allergies to limonene, a fragrance derived from the skin of citrus fruits, and methylisothiazolinone, a preservative mix. At the time of my diagnosis, these products were in the process of being eliminated from leave on products due to the number of contact dermatitis cases it was creating!

Finally, I suffered with dyshidrotic eczema, or pompholyx on my hands whilst I worked behind a bar. On reflection, this may have been more of an occupational problem as this specific type of eczema quickly settled after I left .

Eczema Is Ruining My Life

Is eczema ruining your confidence  Joanna Choncer
muchacha21

This is my first forum and I guess I am looking for suggestions. Here is my long stoey: As a child, I had eczema patches on my arms and legs and just dealt with it. As I got older, that stopped but I developed a patch under my nose. Stupidly, I tanned quite a bit in my early twenties which kept it under control. I also saw a derm regularly and had tried every steroid cream known to man. After my first child, I began to get red little bumps around my mouth and blotches on my cheeks. I was diagnosed with rosacea which I feel was a complete mis-diagnosis. I was prescribed a mixture of some creams including Finacea which I stopped using as my symptoms went away. Throughout all of this, I kept using steroid cream under my nose.

Recently, I suffered from perioral dermatitis and angular chelitis and now use non fluoride toothpaste which helped tremendously. I also have seasonal allergies and take an antihistamine daily.

Now, for about a year I have had eczema on my eyelids up to my eyebrow, under my nose and my mouth. I haven’t used steroid cream in a year and do not want to. I have been using Elidel which does nothing, changed my shampoo to be sulfate free and wash my face with jist water. Today, my face is just out of control. I am 31 years old and look terrible. I do not want to be seen in public and hate living like this. I want my skin back to normal and I want to feel pretty again. The burning itching redness is just ruining my daily life.

0 likes, 8 replies

You May Like: Does Hydrocortisone Cream Help Eczema

Prevent Flares Feel Better

Many things could set off an eczema flare. You may not have the same triggers as someone else. It pays to figure out what causes your skin to react.

Dry skin. If your skin gets too dry, it can become rough and itchy. It might even crack. That can let bacteria or allergens inside. Dry skin is a common eczema trigger for many people. Extreme changes in temperature can stress your skin, too.

Tips: Keep your skin moist — especially in winter, when the air can be very dry. Use a humidifier to moisten the air in your bedroom when you sleep. Apply body lotion after you get out of a shower or bath. Soak in a warm bath with small amounts of bath oil, or add colloidal oatmeal to ease eczema itching and moisten your skin. See what’s the best lotion for eczema.

Irritants. Products you use every day may bother your skin. Soap, cleansers, body wash, laundry detergent, lotions, or even some foods you touch can trigger eczema rashes.

Tips: Talk to your doctor to pinpoint what may irritate your skin. They can test how your skin reacts to certain products. Keep track of anything you use that seems to trigger a flare after you touch it. Choose soaps, cleansers, and laundry detergents without added perfumes or dyes. These are common eczema triggers.

Clothing. Fabrics that are rough, too tight, or itchy can trigger eczema. Clothes that are too warm or heavy can make you sweat and cause a flare, too.

Emotions And Childhood Eczema

Eczema has an impact on the emotional health of children, as well as on their parents and family members. Physically, any eczema breakout can result in extreme discomfort and can sometimes be very painful.

Those with moderate to severe eczema report that the disease dramatically disturbs sleep, activities . Common emotional symptoms of eczema in children, caregivers, and family members include:

  • Psychosocial stress
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Anxiety and stress
  • Social isolation

The overall emotional impact of eczema can be a lifetime of challenges in maintaining a sense of self-esteem and self-worth.

Eczema is known to cause several emotional symptoms, including:

  • Poor self-esteem
  • Anxiety and stress

Overall, eczema is said to be emotionally draining, according to the American Osteopathic Association.

According to a survey by the National Eczema Association, over 30% of those with atopic dermatitis were diagnosed with either depression, anxiety, or both conditions. The reason for this phenomenon is not fully understood, but medical experts believe there could be a link between the way the body communicates with the brain during an inflammatory response.

Read Also: Best Lotion To Use For Eczema

Naomi Explains About Emotions And Eczema

  • symptoms like skin redness, flaking, and scarring. Some worried about what other people think . Alice worried people might think she had lice or scabies and was dirty. Itchiness can be frustrating and trying not to scratch can feel like a battle of willpower. Flare-ups can be frustrating as it can feel like all the good work put into skin care is undone. Shams found it upsetting when his eczema cleared up but then slowly and surely it comes back again. The uncertainty of what the future might hold in terms of eczema was a concern for some people. Some felt it was unfair that they had eczema, especially when they knew others had grown out of it.
  • getting a diagnosis made some people feel shocked, frightened, confused, angry and lonely. People who had eczema all their lives said it had become normal. Others, such as Jessica, felt relieved to finally have an explanation for their symptoms and were hopeful about treatments.

RELATED ARTICLES

Most Popular

Is Polyester Good For Eczema

How To Treat Bad Eczema

Can Eczema Lead To Psoriasis