Living with eczema is hard. From sleepless nights tossing and turning to not being able to wear your favorite wooly sweater, there are so many things that can put a strain on everyday living. Not to mention the financial, physical, and emotional impact the chronic condition can cause.
In this post, we want to say we see you and you are not alone. Let’s take a look at how to care for yourself as you navigate the many aspects of this condition, including how to deal with exhaustion and eczema.
Please keep in mind that although these tips and information have worked for several sufferers, we are in no way medical professionals. If you’re experiencing severe symptoms or have a topical infection, it is always best to seek medical advice immediately.
Eczema and Mental Health
If you feel exhausted by eczema, you’re not alone. The itchy skin condition can certainly take a toll on mental health. Not only can it be debilitating and painful, but it can negatively affect a person’s job, education, and self-esteem. Plus, it can significantly limit a person’s lifestyle. The mental side effects of eczema can include anxiety, depression, and a rise in your stress level.
Due to the skin’s appearance, many people with eczema may feel more self-conscious or a decreased sense of attractiveness. According to statistics, nearly half of adults with moderate to severe eczema atopic dermatitis reported that they avoided social interactions because of their appearance. In addition, one-third of adults with eczema said that their skin condition interfered with their sex life.
Relentless scratching can also make it difficult to get a good night’s sleep. This increases the chance of daytime fatigue and irritability. A lack of sleep can affect work performance, even leading to more workplace accidents. According to the National Eczema Association, nearly 5.9 million workdays are lost annually because of eczema.
Taking care your Body and Mind
As you learn to live with eczema, it’s important to care for your body and mind. Here are some of our favorite ways to manage stress and indulge in self care.
Breathe and Meditate
Did you know that even just 15 minutes of mindful meditation a day can have a positive effect on your skin? A calm mind through meditation is reported to decrease levels of stress hormones. This can help achieve better quality sleep and improve a person’s ability to cope with stress.
The deep breathing involved with meditation also has a calming effect on the nervous system. This helps boost immunity, process emotions, release negative thoughts, and ultimately reduce stress and anxiety levels.
Take a Relaxing Bath
We love a home-spa treatment. Taking the time to indulge in a relaxing bath is a fantastic way to show yourself some self love. We recommend treating your skin to this Conqueror Oatmeal Bath for Eczema. Made with natural, nourishing ingredients, it provides calming results to sensitive skin. We also recommend washing with natural soaps only like this Coconut and Sunflower Oil Soap Bar or Emily Skin Soothers Soap.
Get a Good Night’s Sleep
To promote better sleep, we suggest investing in some eczema-friendly sleepwear. A good night’s sleep is so important for overall health and mental wellbeing. Gentle fabrics such as organic cotton and super soft TENCEL make great choices for eczema pajamas. We recommend the following:
Remedywear Long Shirt for Adults
Move your Body
The power of exercise cannot be overstated. Not only does it keep your body physically fit, but it has a positive effect on the mind too. To maintain mental wellbeing, we encourage you to move your body for at least 30 minutes each day. Even low-impact workouts such as yoga and pilates can do wonders for your mind, especially if sweat is a trigger for your eczema.
Bio: Kazandra is a contributor and content developer for The Eczema Company with a flair for creative storytelling rooted in strategy. Her comments, suggestions, and reflections are not intended to replace any medical advice. Always seek the help of a medical professional before undertaking any diet or lifestyle changes.
