In this spotlight, we’re helping readers navigate the emotional struggles that come with their skin condition.
Atopic Dermatitis and Your Mental Health
Coping with AD can feel isolating.
For both Chee and Leonna, support from loved ones has been key.
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Friends and people I met who validated the impact [of AD] were also helpful, he says.
Similarly, Leonna mentions the care from her friends, family, and partner in helping her cope.
My partner and friends reassure me that its okay and doesnt look as bad, she says.
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Leonna says her doctor has helped determine what else can be done to manage her condition.
Finally, she mentions Facebook groups and Reddit as sources of support.
There are ups and downs.
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Its not a linear progression to getting better.
There are ups and downs.
Its not a linear progression to getting better.
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The physical aspect of AD can be tough on affected individuals mental health.
Here are several ways challenges in social and emotional functioning can manifest.
She was completely caught off guard by its appearance.
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Keyaira felt uncomfortable discussing her eczema until she couldnt put it off anymore.
She was even nervous to bring it up with her doctor.
But when the irritation went from barely noticeable to consistently annoying, she sought out medical advice.
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The Vicious Stress and Flare-Up Cycle
External AD triggers can be easier to manage.
But when your mental state leads to flare-ups, it can require a different course of action.
Each individual will have differences that make their experience unique.
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The frequency, intensity, and length of flares are highly variable and difficult to predict or control.
This can take a major toll on mental health.
They might struggle to commit to plans, not knowing what state they will be in on the day.
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It is okay if something that helped someone else is not the right fit.
With that in mind, here are some coping strategies that may help.
He was about to grab my hand, and he stopped, she told us during an interview.
His commentary towards me was ‘What is the alligator skin on your wrist?’
she adds, mimicking a disgusted tone.
The experience changed how Shelby presented herself to the world as she got older.
My initial thought was to cover it up.
you’re able to’t say anything about what you don’t see, says Shelby.
My initial thought was to cover it up.
you’re free to’t say anything about what you don’t see.
For Bea, seeing a dermatologist and allergist has been life-changing for understanding her AD.
Check out the self-care rituals that have helped Bea and others with AD find comfort, physically and mentally.
The turning point came at 24, during a particularly difficult week.
Sian was burned out, grieving, and struggling to sleep through the night.
One early morning, she found herself crying on the porchexhausted, overwhelmedand felt an itch in her neck.
Again, her AD was flaring up.
That moment didnt feel like a grand epiphany.
But it was the moment she felt truly fed up with her situation.
My eczema may never go away entirely.
National Eczema Association.Eczema Stats.
2021;9(4):1488-1500. doi:10.1016/j.jaip.2020.12.007
