Eczema and Stress: How Psychological Health Impacts Your Skin

Ever notice that your eczema flares up during stressful times? You’re not alone. Stress and psychological health play a significant role in eczema symptoms. While eczema is a skin condition, it’s deeply connected to the mind-body relationship. Let’s explore how stress impacts eczema and what you can do to break the cycle.

How Does Stress Worsen Eczema?

Stress doesn’t cause eczema, but it can make symptoms worse in several ways:

• Triggers Inflammation: Stress increases cortisol (the “stress hormone”), which can weaken the skin barrier and lead to flare-ups.
• Increases Itching (The Itch-Scratch Cycle): Anxiety and stress make people more aware of itching, leading to more scratching, which further damages the skin.
• Disrupts Sleep: Poor sleep due to stress or itching can worsen eczema symptoms.
• Weakens the Immune System: Chronic stress can reduce the body’s ability to fight off infections and heal irritated skin.

Signs Your Eczema Might Be Stress-Related

✔️ Flare-ups occur during exams, work deadlines, or major life changes.
✔️ Symptoms improve during vacations or periods of relaxation.
✔️ Stressful situations make you itch more, even without a visible rash.
✔️ Anxiety or depression is present alongside eczema symptoms.

How to Manage Stress and Improve Eczema

Since stress is unavoidable, the key is learning how to manage it effectively:

• Practice Mindfulness & Meditation: Deep breathing, yoga, or guided meditation can help reduce stress levels.
• Exercise Regularly: Physical activity releases endorphins, which help lower stress and inflammation.
• Get Enough Sleep: Establish a bedtime routine, use moisturizers before bed, and avoid screens before sleep.
• Try Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): A mental health professional can help with stress management techniques.
• Create a Skincare Routine: Knowing your skin is well cared for can reduce anxiety about flare-ups.

FAQ: Stress and Eczema

Q: Can stress actually cause eczema?
A: No, but it can trigger or worsen symptoms in people who already have eczema.

Q: Does scratching from stress make eczema worse?
A: Yes! Scratching damages the skin barrier, leading to more inflammation and infection risk.

Q: Can therapy help eczema?
A: Yes! Techniques like CBT and relaxation exercises can help break the stress-itch cycle.

A Personal Story

One of my patients, David, struggled with eczema flares before big work presentations. He started practicing meditation and keeping a structured skincare routine. Over time, he noticed fewer stress-related breakouts and better overall skin health.  Once we started Dupixent and allergy shots, his skin cleared completely and he has not had a flare since.

If stress is making your eczema worse, addressing your mental health can be just as important as treating your skin. A balanced mind leads to healthier skin—inside and out!

What are you waiting for?  If you or your child need help controlling allergies or if you think you need testing or treatment or that you might be a good candidate for allergy shots, Dr. Wendt and her team staff at Relieve Allergy, Asthma & Hives would love to help. Call for testing or treatment today!

Call 480-500-1902 or request an appointment at https://relieveallergyaz.com/contact now!  Begin your allergy testing journey with Dr. Wendt at Relieve Allergy in Scottsdale, Arizona—It’s time to take care of yourself!

Learn more about Dr. Wendt and Relieve Allergy Asthma & Hives at www.relieveallergyaz.com or connect with us: https://www.facebook.com/RelieveAllergy/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-wendt/, https://x.com/RelieveAllergy, https://www.instagram.com/relieve_allergy/ or https://www.youtube.com/@JulieWendt-qx7jm.

Did you know? Dr. Wendt wrote the book on allergies.  Buy it NOW!

Relieve Allergy Asthma & Hives is located near Kierland Commons, 21803 N. Scottsdale Road Ste. 200, and has convenient evening and morning hours to accommodate your schedule. Dr. Wendt is also available for telemedicine appointments as appropriate. Most insurance plans are accepted.

DISCLAIMER: This blog is not meant to substitute for medical care by an Allergist-Immunologist nor is it intended to provide medical advice or imply a Physician-Patient relationship with its readers or their family. It is intended to provide guidance, direction, and moral support from someone experienced in testing and treating allergies. This is also not meant to be a “do-it-yourself” manual or a “how to” overcome your allergies. Some of the issues mentioned, whether allergic or look-a-like, can be dangerous or if left unchecked, deadly. Please develop a relationship with a Physician you trust to help you with diagnosis, advice, questions, and treatment regarding your and your family’s medical conditions.