Mental Health and Eczema: How Your Skin Can Affect Your Mind

May 15, 2025

Mental Health and Eczema: How Your Skin Can Affect Your Mind

Living with eczema or any visible skin condition is more than skin-deep. It can influence how you feel about yourself, how you relate to others, and how you cope emotionally. In fact, many people ask: “Can eczema cause anxiety or depression?” The short answer is yes - and the reasons why are both physical and psychological.

Can Eczema Affect Mental Health?

Eczema and mental health are closely connected. The itch-scratch cycle, visible flare-ups, and constant discomfort can cause stress, poor sleep, and emotional burnout. According to the National Eczema Society UK, emotional stress is both a trigger for and a consequence of eczema. ¹

Long-term skin conditions like eczema can lead to:

Anxiety about appearance and social situations

Feelings of shame or embarrassment

Sleep deprivation

Irritability or low self-esteem

This can leave many people thinking: “Why do I feel ashamed about my skin?” or even, “Is it normal to feel overwhelmed by my skin condition?” The answer again is yes - these are completely valid emotional responses.

The Vicious Cycle of Stress and Flare-Ups

Stress affects your immune system, which can worsen eczema symptoms. At the same time, flare-ups can increase stress and emotional exhaustion. It becomes a cycle that’s hard to break.

A UK study by Allergy UK found that nearly half of people with eczema report feeling depressed or anxious.² In some cases, individuals say: “My skin condition is making me feel depressed,” and they're not alone. Mental health support is an essential part of eczema care.

Skin Picking and OCD - Is There a Link?

For some, the urge to scratch or pick at the skin goes beyond physical discomfort. If you find yourself obsessively picking, it may be linked to a condition known as Excoriation Disorder, sometimes associated with OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder).

You may wonder: “Is picking at my skin a sign of OCD?” While not everyone who picks their skin has OCD, the repetitive behaviour and difficulty stopping can be a sign of an underlying emotional struggle. Seeking professional support can help manage both the habit and the feelings driving it.

Building a Holistic Routine: Caring for Mind and Skin

To manage eczema more effectively, consider a combined approach that supports your mental health and skin health together.

Try these steps:

🧘🏻 Mindfulness and Meditation: These calm the nervous system, lower stress levels, and may help reduce flare-ups.³

🛌🏻 Improve Sleep Hygiene: Disrupted sleep from itching can increase irritability and worsen mood. A consistent routine and breathable bedding can help.

💞 Therapeutic Support: Talking therapies such as CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) can help reframe negative thought patterns and offer tools to cope with skin-related anxiety.⁴

👪 Join a Community: The National Eczema Society offers support groups and forums where people share experiences and advice. This connection can combat isolation and help you feel understood.

At Eczema Clothing we also have a Private Facebook Group specifically created as a safe space for Eczema Warriors to share their stories, concerns and seek and advice and support – you can join here Eczema Clothing Community

You’re Not Alone, And You Deserve Support

If your eczema is affecting your mental health, know that you’re not alone - and there is help available. Speak to your GP, connect with support networks, or explore NHS mental health services. Addressing your emotional needs is just as important as treating your skin.

When we ask ourselves, “Why is my eczema making me feel so low?” or “Is this more than just skin-deep?”, the answer is often yes—and acknowledging this is a powerful first step toward healing.

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