Stress causes a spike in the hormone cortisol, which may lead to eczema flare-ups. Avoiding stress and other triggers may help reduce flares.
Atopic dermatitis, known as eczema, is a chronic inflammatory condition that may cause dry, itchy rashes to develop on your skin. These can sometimes be painful and could
Stress is one of the most common triggers of eczema, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD).
Learn more about the association between stress and eczema, as well as how to manage stress to help prevent eczema flare-ups.
The exact cause of atopic dermatitis is unknown.
However,
A
- Acute: An acute stressor may cause a rapid spike in cortisol (sometimes called the stress hormone) and adrenaline or noradrenaline. This could trigger your immune system to release TH1 cells, which may lead to inflammation.
- Chronic: Long-term stress may lead to a higher baseline level of cortisol, which could affect how your immune system responds to acute stressors.
Participants in a small
Researchers noted that psychological stressors might cause an immune-mediated inflammatory response, which could affect the skin barrier. The skin barrier is the outside layer of your skin. Itâs
However, itâs important to note that not all studies have found a link between stress and eczema.
For example, a
As such, more research is needed to fully identify the link between eczema and stress.
Some research shows that mental health conditions like anxiety and depression may be constant triggers of eczema outbreaks.
A small 2022 study involving 36 females showed that stress, anxiety, and depression significantly affected eczema symptoms. Researchers also reported that eczema symptoms increased the levels of these three mental health conditions.
Similarly, a
Anxiety or depression may cause somatization, which is when you experience
Speak with a healthcare professional if you think you may have anxiety or depression. Unlike stress, these conditions typically require the supervision of a medical professional, such as a doctor.
They can typically provide a proper diagnosis and help develop a treatment plan for you.
There are many preventive measures to consider that can help you manage your stress levels, which may also help you avoid eczema breakouts. The
- Connect with others: Volunteering, participating in community events, joining an eczema support group, phoning your friends and family, and joining a club are some ways to socialize and stay connected.
- Stay active: Getting at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week (20â30 minutes per day) may help reduce stress and relieve inflammation. Itâs important to do activities you enjoy to help keep you motivated.
- Breathing exercises: Meditation, yoga, and other deep breathing exercises can help you relax.
- Diet: Eating a well-balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains may help lower stress levels. Foods high in unhealthy fats, sugars, and salt may increase stress.
- Sleep: Get at least 7 hours of sleep every night.
- Limit or avoid behaviors that negatively affect the body: Limit alcohol consumption and avoid smoking and using illegal drugs, as these may increase your stress.
A healthcare professional may also recommend
According to the United Kingdomâs National Health Service (NHS), several other eczema triggers have been identified, including:
- environmental allergens, such as pollution, pollen, animal dander, and mold
- food allergies, which can include eggs, cowâs milk, and fish
- dry, cold, and low humidity weather
- body soaps, cleaning products, and laundry detergents with fragrances, dyes, or alcohol
- certain clothing materials, such as wool and nylon
- excessively dry skin
- skin infections
- hormonal changes
Consider speaking with a healthcare professional if you think stress is causing your eczema symptoms to flare up.
They may ask you about your symptoms and review your treatment plan. This may include adding, removing, or modifying dosages for certain medications.
They may also recommend seeing a mental health specialist like a counselor or therapist, as well as joining a support group.
Learn more about treatments for eczema.
Can stress cause eczema rash?
Stress is not a direct cause of eczema symptoms, but it could trigger an immune response. This could cause inflammation and lead to an eczema flare-up.
How do you get rid of stress eczema?
Some lifestyle changes may help relieve stress, which may also help reduce eczema symptoms. These may include staying physically active, eating a well-balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and avoiding smoking, among others.
How do you know if it is a stress rash?
Eczema symptoms caused by stress may look the same as other eczema rashes. However, you may identify them as stress-related if they follow a particularly stressful period or event.
What cream is good for stress rash?
Some topical creams are available over the counter to help relieve symptoms of stress rash.
Eczema is a chronic skin condition that may be difficult to manage, especially if itâs causing stress.
Stress is also a common eczema trigger that could cause your symptoms to worsen or reappear.
Lifestyle changes, at-home remedies, and treatments could help you manage your eczema and cope with it in a positive way.
Speak with a healthcare professional if your symptoms are not improving. They can help develop a treatment plan to manage stress and relieve symptoms.