Mind-Skin Connection: Battling Eczema With Positivity

Dealing with eczema, especially if it keeps you awake in the middle of the night just to rub out the intense itching, can be both physically and emotionally frustrating. The added stress and exasperation certainly don't do much to relieve the situation. 

As the rashes wreak havoc on the mind and self-esteem, eczema can cause serious emotional and psychological effects on those who live with it. However, negative thoughts should not limit you from truly healing amid the judging stares. 

According to a medical study published in January 2020, people with eczema are more likely to develop new depression and anxiety than those who don’t have it. The National Eczema Association also revealed through a survey that more than 30 percent of people with eczema are diagnosed with anxiety or depression last 2017.

Although those with this inflammatory skin condition are more susceptible to have mental health issues, the way your brain handles your body during an inflammatory response might change everything. 

In celebration of Positive Thinking Day, Cottonique reminds everyone to set aside a moment to concentrate on all the positive things despite eczema flare-ups. A single optimistic thought may not eliminate your eczema, but a positive mindset can help lessen stress, cut down anxiety, and live well with the skin condition. 

Indeed, stress is a major trigger for many people's eczema. Once a person feels stress, his/her bodies go into a flight-or-fight mode and respond by increasing stress hormones. A rise in stress hormones suppresses the immune system and stimulates an inflammatory response for eczema to occur. 

In fact, some patients report that sometimes their skin can reflect what they’re feeling inside. The emotional trouble they once thought of showed up as a skin trouble.

When things get a little challenging due to heightened levels of eczema-inducing stress, anxiety attacks, and episodes of depression, try investing in different approaches to relax your body and mind. Spend some time to: 

• Read a book, watch tv series, listen to podcasts 
• Take meditation classes, do yoga or exercise
• Go for long walks, organize indoor plants, or get a glimpse of good scenery
• Write journals, play video games, and learn a new hobby 

While it might be true that what works for some may not always work for you, it should not hinder you from finding creative activities that will distract your mind from all the negative vibes. 

Amid the challenges that eczema brings, sharing experiences with other people who have it can be helpful. 

It is human nature to relate with others who encounter the same problem, so opening up a discussion about what you're going through makes things a little more bearable. Participate in a local or online support group to discuss helpful ways to enjoy the beauty of life even with eczema. 

If you open yourself a bit more, there will always be people out there who won't mind seeing the rash on your skin. So stop being ashamed nor embarrassed to talk about it, start seeing eczema like a normal thing instead and everything will fall into the right place

As recommended by the NEA, those who seek a support group can join Eczema Wise, an online group where people with eczema can start a conversation, exchange thoughts, and connect with new friends. If not, you can find one that meets in your community.

We admit. It's not as easy as it sounds, but thoughts hold more medicine than you think. In fighting eczema, controlling one's mind and shifting the mindset from negative to positive can be useful to free yourself from the cycle of frustration and embarrassment. 

Aside from the pain, oozing, and prickliness, people with eczema fight a tough emotional battle, so you will need more than just physical treatment to break the cycle. Besides, basking oneself in a constant state of negative energy can cause negative effects to one's body as pessimistic thoughts generally create a stress response. 

You have to look at the positive side of things and remind yourself that life isn't all about the negative. Oftentimes, positive energy gets the mind to take the right actions. However, if both the physical symptoms and the emotional stress are too much to handle, make an appointment with a doctor for other treatments or support resources that can help.

DISCLAIMER: The information presented on Cottonique is not, and will never be, intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All content materials found on this site, from text, treatments, outcomes, charts, graphics, photographs, and study findings, are created and published for general informational purposes only. It should not, in any way, be construed as a standard of care to be followed by a user of the website. 

Thus, readers are encouraged to verify any information obtained from this website with other accurate references and review all information regarding any medical condition or treatment with their physician. As Cottonique strives to help those with allergies live with better days, the hypoallergenic apparel brand encourages everyone to always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.