Search Here

A study presented at the 2024 American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI) Annual Scientific Meeting and published in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology has shed light on the significant mental health challenges faced by individuals with atopic dermatitis (AD), commonly known as eczema.

Eczema, a chronic inflammatory skin condition affecting as much as 3% of the global adult population, is known for causing dry, itchy, and rough skin. Allison Loiselle, Ph.D., senior manager of data science and research at the National Eczema Association and lead author of the ACAAI study, emphasized the mental health toll of eczema.

According to their research, 72% of people with eczema experience adverse mental health symptoms for up to 10 days a month, with 17% suffering for more than 11 days.

The online survey, completed by 954 adults with atopic dermatitis, revealed a concerning gap in care.

Thirty-five percent of respondents said they had never brought up mental health concerns with their allergist, and 57% reported their allergist had never asked them about their mental health, Loiselle noted in an interview with Medical News Today.

This points to an unmet need for holistic care in atopic dermatitis, which encompasses both physical and mental well-being.

Dr. Alexis Young, a dermatologist at Hackensack University Medical Center, was not surprised by these findings. She explained that the itch sensation, akin to pain, can disrupt sleep and emotional regulation, potentially leading to depression.

"The more anxiety they may feel, the worse their condition can be because stress is a common trigger for atopic dermatitis flares," Young added.

The news findings come four years after a 2020 study published in the journal Pediatric Allergy and Immunology highlighted the impact of environmental triggers, such as weather changes, on eczema symptoms.

Seasonal changes, like cold, dry air in winter or hot, humid conditions in summer, were found to significantly impact skin reactivity in those with AD. Aanand Geria, MD, a dermatologist, explained that extreme temperatures stress the skin, especially for those with a compromised skin barrier like in AD.

The importance of managing environmental triggers, including seasonal allergens like pollen, is crucial for those with AD. These allergens can penetrate the epidermis, exacerbating the severity of the condition. Dr. Geria suggests working closely with a dermatologist to adjust skincare routines and habits seasonally, which can significantly mitigate symptom severity.