Eczema has a significant impact on mental health

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Eczema can lead people to depression and anxiety, a new study has revealed. Nearly three-quarters of people with eczema had poor mental health in the previous 10 days, but only about half were referred by an allergist to a counsellor.

THURSDAY, Nov. 9, 2023 (HealthDay News) — Eczema can be a burden on the mind as well as the body, a new survey shows. People with eczema are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety, and it gets worse when they develop additional allergy symptoms, according to a study to be presented Thursday at the meeting. Annual American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) in Anaheim, Calif., where nearly three in four (72%) patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) — the medical term for eczema — have poor symptoms. Mental health for up to 10 days during the previous month, and about one in five (17%) said they had experienced symptoms of poor mental health for 11 days or “People without Alzheimer’s don’t understand how debilitating it can be.” This disease,” said the study’s lead author, Alison Loiselle, M.D., senior director of data science and research at the National Eczema Association. “Dry and cracked skin, there are often sleep disturbances and broader impacts on quality of life and overall well-being,” Loiselle said in an ACAAI press release. “Depression and anxiety are among the symptoms of those with Alzheimer’s disease dealing with the chronic and unpredictable nature of this condition.” For the study, researchers surveyed nearly 1,000 people with eczema. About a third of patients (36%) reported that their current eczema was mild. Despite the impact of eczema on their mental health, a third of patients (35%) said they had never discussed mental health with their allergist, and 57% said they had “never been asked about this. However, nearly half ( 45%) said their allergist had referred them to mental health services. “It can be very difficult to live with Alzheimer’s,” said Tamara Hubbard, a licensed professional clinical counselor and member of the ACAAI. “The itching can be relentless, and many fear Also, Alzheimer’s disease may negatively affect their appearance. People with eczema have reported social impairment, emotional and behavioral problems, and major psychological problems such as depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. “An allergist looking for treatments that reduce the effects of Alzheimer’s disease, along with a mental health professional, can help address the emotional and psychological effects of Alzheimer’s disease,” said Hubbard, who was not part of the study. It is considered preliminary until it is published in the journal Peer-reviewed journal. More information The Cleveland Clinic has more on eczema. Source: American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, press release, November 9, 2023.