Kiddipedia
Australia has some of the highest percentages of eczema in the world with 10-15 per cent of the population affected. This percentage includes 1 in 3 children, many of which grow out of it in time but sadly 10 per cent of which carry the condition into adulthood.
Whilst the condition is mostly a physical one affecting the skin, the stigma associated with eczema can have considerable mental implications. The visual appearance of the condition, regular pain and itching, and the sometimes never-ending search for relief, can take its toll.
Research shows that people with eczema have higher rates of depression, anxiety and conduct disorders. Statistics also show that 43 per cent of eczema sufferers have reduced self-esteem and confidence, with one in four saying the condition impacts their ability to carry out everyday activities.
Eczema also impacts the all-important sleep patterns with research showing fatigue, daytime sleepiness and even insomnia are common for eczema sufferers. This is especially the case for parents of young children with the condition who spend many waking hours comforting their loved ones.
The mental health issues caused by eczema can in fact make the condition worse. Whilst depression and PTSD are known to increase inflammation and cause eczema, the most commonly known mental health impact on eczema is stress. Experts believe when we stress, our bodies produce inflammation which is an underlying cause of eczema. So our eczema causes stress, and our stress makes the eczema worse.
Mental health issues can also be impacted by how eczema affects the lifestyle of people with the condition. Many people feel angry or embarrassed due to the appearance of the condition. Their overall health can also suffer as they feel less motivated to participate in sporting activity. Work-life balance can suffer as well as personal relationships.
In young people school life can be affected, not just academically but socially amongst their peers. A US study found 40 per cent of school-aged children and teens with the condition had experienced bullying.
Breaking this vicious cycle is not easy. Do we treat the mental health issues first or the condition?
It seems obvious — if we treat the mental health issues the condition will still be there, but if we treat the condition the mental health issues will improve. Of course, treating the condition is not easy.
The most common current treatment for eczema is steroid-based creams, sprays and lotions. They in themselves can cause further issues such as thinning of the skin, stretch marks and spider veins and the effectiveness of the treatment can diminish with regular use.
Every eczema sufferer has a different story to tell but some commonly appreciated advice is below.
- Recent research has seen some great breakthroughs in how eczema can be treated. Look for non-steroid eczema treatments and trial them over time. Some products promote seeing benefits in 5 days with severe cases taking longer.
- Look on eczema association websites for advice. They are full of fact sheets and treatment information.
- Take a wholistic approach to your remedies considering diet, lifestyle and direct treatment.
- Reach out to other sufferers and share stories and tips.
Above all stay positive and look for the combined approach that works best for you. You’ve got this!
Aditi Mamtani
Aditi Mamtani is a biochemist and co-founder of Arete Labs, an independent R&D lab founded in 2019 specialising in personal care, cosmeceuticals, babycare, homecare, petcare, and pharma. In 2023, Arete Labs launched Curezma, a ground-breaking treatment that not only relieves the symptoms but addresses the root cause of the condition. Aditi and her partner Jai Uniyal were inspired to develop the Curezma range by their firsthand experience when their 5-year-old daughter developed the condition. They have developed Curezma to bring relief and renewed hope to families affected by eczema.
