If you suffer from eczema, you may have noticed that stress can trigger flare-ups or worsen your symptoms. In this article, we will be exploring the connection between stress and eczema and provide tips on how to manage stress effectively in order to improve your eczema symptoms.
The connection between stress and eczema
Although the exact cause of eczema is unknown, it is worth nothing that stress can play a significant role in the development of eczema. The link that exists between stress and eczema can be explained through science; when you’re stressed, your body releases stress hormones like cortisol which can disrupt the immune system and trigger stress eczema symptoms such as inflammation. This inflammation can lead to other eczema symptoms such as redness, itching and dryness. Understanding the science behind the relationship is essential in finding effective ways to manage symptoms and prevent potential flare-ups. It is crucial to formulate a plan to manage stress more effectively in daily life and we will explore these techniques in this article.
Who is most prone?
While anyone can develop stress induced eczema, there are certain factors that can put someone at a higher risk of developing it. The first factor is genetics; those that have a family history of eczema or other allergic conditions are more prone to developing the condition than those that don’t. Additionally, individuals that experience frequent stress in their daily lives, such as those with demanding careers or personal lives, are more at risk of developing stress induced eczema. It is important for people that are at a higher risk of developing stress induced eczema to understand the relationship between the two and take proactive steps to manage their stress levels effectively.
Stress eczema treatment options
Identify and manage stress triggers
We have established that stress can worsen eczema symptoms, so it is important to identify the factors that cause stress in your life in order to formulate a plan to manage these stress triggers more effectively. There are a variety of factors that could cause stress in your life; this could include work-related stress, relationship issues, financial worries, or other personal challenges.
Once you have successfully identified the root cause of your stress then you can begin to develop strategies to manage and reduce stress in your daily life. These strategies may include practising relaxation techniques, seeking support from a therapist or a loved one, and making lifestyle changes that prioritize self-care and stress reduction. These lifestyle changes may include exercising more, getting a good amount of sleep every night, taking time in the day to recharge, and spending more time with friends and family. By effectively managing your stress triggers, you can alleviate the symptoms of your eczema and boost your overall wellbeing.
Avoid bad habits
When it comes to managing this condition, it’s important to not only focus on external triggers but also on the bad habits that may be exacerbating your eczema symptoms. It is worth noting that there is a link between certain bad habits and outbreaks of stress-induced eczema; they can lead to your symptoms worsening and make the condition more difficult to manage. By identifying and addressing these bad habits, you can take control of your stress-induced eczema and improve your overall wellbeing.
When you’re stressed, it is easier to get into bad habits as a way of coping; these habits can include drinking alcohol after a long day at work, comfort eating unhealthy foods, and smoking. Although these activities may reduce stress in the short term, they can have a detrimental impact on your overall wellbeing and stress induced eczema in the long term. An effective way of breaking free from bad habits is to replace them with positive ones; instead of focusing on what you want to stop doing, shift your attention to what you want to start doing instead. For instance, if you want to stop smoking, find a healthy habit to replace it with, such as going for a walk or meditation.
Use moisturizers
One of the most effective ways to treat stress related eczema is to moisturize regularly and use gentle skincare products. Dry, inflamed skin needs to be moisturized frequently in order to lock the moisture back into the skin and restore the skin’s natural moisture barrier. Moisturizers create a protective barrier on the skin’s surface, which helps alleviate eczema symptoms such as itching and inflammation. In addition, moisturizers can help improve the overall appearance of the skin and is one of the most effective methods in treating stress eczema on the face.Â
It is important to look for a moisturizer that is fragrance free and hypoallergenic, as these are less likely to cause a potential eczema flare-up. Apply the moisturizer at least twice a day, focusing on areas that are most prone to dryness or flare-ups. It is also worth noting that the skin is most dried out after having a shower due to the heat exposure, so it is recommended to apply moisturizer to the affected area after each shower as well. If you would like some recommendations on moisturizers, then check out my best moisturizers for eczema on the face article, where I recommend some effective moisturizers for eczema prone skin.
Avoid certain household products
It is important to avoid exposure to certain products that could worsen eczema symptoms and make it harder to manage. It is worth nothing that harmful chemicals can have a detrimental impact on stress induced eczema as they irritate the skin, so it is important to identify these so you can take the necessary preventative measures. These chemicals can often be difficult to avoid as they are found in many household and personal care products; these chemicals can include fragrances, preservatives and dyes.
It is important to be wary of harsh chemicals in household products in order to avoid frequent flare-ups. For instance, potential irritants in hand soaps are chemicals such as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Parabens. These chemicals can also be found in various shampoos and body washes; being wary of these two chemicals in any household products that you use and finding a suitable alternative could help you avoid exacerbating symptoms. If you would like some recommendations on eczema friendly hand soaps, then check out my best soaps for hand eczema article. It is also recommended to wear rubber gloves when washing the dishes or cleaning surfaces in order to avoid exposure to chemicals in cleaning products.