Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsEmotionalPhysicalSocialPractical
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Emotional
Physical
Social
Practical
Advancedatopic dermatitis, commonly known as eczema, is a chronic condition that leads to itchiness, inflammation, redness, and flaking of the skin. Though it’s not contagious and the disease can be managed, unfortunately, there is no cure.
Typically arising during childhood, the condition is fairly common, with an estimated 12% of children and 7% of adults in the U.S. experiencing it.Symptoms of atopic dermatitis, which include reddish skin and the development of rashes, tend to come in waves between periods of calm.
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This can exact a heavy toll on your emotional, physical, and social well-being, all of which are related to one another. Taking eczema on means attending to these aspects, while also becoming as knowledgeable as possible about the condition.
So what do you do if you’ve been diagnosed? A responsive approach to advanced atopic dermatitis combines medical treatments with home remedies and lifestyle changes to ease symptoms and flare-ups. It also involves attending to the broader personal and social impact of this chronic disease.
With any chronic condition, an emotional and psychological impact is expected, and this is certainly the case with atopic dermatitis. If you’re struggling emotionally because of this disease, remember that you’re far from alone.
In fact, about 1 in 5 people with the condition facemajor depressive disorder(clinical depression), and they’re more likely to experience anxiety and/or become suicidal.
Since the severity of these psychological issues is often closely tied to the severity of atopic dermatitis, managing the physical symptoms is a big part of taking them on. That said, there are some additionalmeans of copingwith the condition:
The biggest challenge in coping with atopic dermatitis involves taking on and easing the itchiness, irritation, redness, and scaliness of the skin associated with it. Notably, this disease goes through periods of activity (attacks) and periods where symptoms subside (remission).
In the absence of an outright cure, there’s actually a lot you can do:
Ongoing ManagementSymptom mitigation and management of advanced atopic dermatitis is an ongoing affair, and it often requires a trial-and-error approach. As you take on your case, keep track of what is and isn’t working, and don’t be afraid to involve your healthcare provider.
Ongoing Management
Symptom mitigation and management of advanced atopic dermatitis is an ongoing affair, and it often requires a trial-and-error approach. As you take on your case, keep track of what is and isn’t working, and don’t be afraid to involve your healthcare provider.
With atopic dermatitis, there are more than just the physical symptoms and emotional challenges to face. Since this condition so dramatically affects the skin, people with it (especially those who are younger) may feel social stigma and embarrassment, impacting their quality of life.
What’s worse, people who have eczema may sense that their condition is impacting others. For example, parents of severely affected children may become more exhausted in dealing with the case, something that, in turn, impacts the person with the condition. This leads to a cycle of stigmatization.
So what can you do to help take on the social impact of atopic dermatitis? Here are some quick tips:
Given that stigma can surround advanced atopic dermatitis, it stands to reason that the condition can affect how you’re perceived at work and in the home. Roommates, coworkers, or family members—if made aware of your case—may develop conscious or subconscious resentment as they feel a need to accommodate your condition.
At work, it’s a good idea to see what can be done to ease the condition’s impact. You may want to have extra ointments or medicines handy to help with flare-ups, especially because workplaces may be rife with potential triggers. Talk to your manager or human resources department if you feel you need any accommodations.
With housework, be sure that you are protecting yourself and your skin. Wear gloves to protect your hands when washing dishes or doing cleaning and protect your skin when gardening.Talk with family members or roommates so they understand your condition and what you’re going through.
6 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Silverberg J.Comorbidities and the impact of atopic dermatitis.Ann Allerg Asthma Im. 2019;123(2):144-151. doi:10.1016/j.anai.2019.04.020National Eczema Association.Eczema and mental health: Atopic dermatitis and anxiety and depression.U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans 2nd edition.National Eczema Association.Eczema treatment.Cleveland Clinic.Eczema (atopic dermatitis): Causes, treatment & symptoms.Chernyshov P.Stigmatization and self-perception in children with atopic dermatitis.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2016;9:159-166. doi:10.2147/ccid.s91263
6 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Silverberg J.Comorbidities and the impact of atopic dermatitis.Ann Allerg Asthma Im. 2019;123(2):144-151. doi:10.1016/j.anai.2019.04.020National Eczema Association.Eczema and mental health: Atopic dermatitis and anxiety and depression.U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans 2nd edition.National Eczema Association.Eczema treatment.Cleveland Clinic.Eczema (atopic dermatitis): Causes, treatment & symptoms.Chernyshov P.Stigmatization and self-perception in children with atopic dermatitis.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2016;9:159-166. doi:10.2147/ccid.s91263
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Silverberg J.Comorbidities and the impact of atopic dermatitis.Ann Allerg Asthma Im. 2019;123(2):144-151. doi:10.1016/j.anai.2019.04.020National Eczema Association.Eczema and mental health: Atopic dermatitis and anxiety and depression.U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans 2nd edition.National Eczema Association.Eczema treatment.Cleveland Clinic.Eczema (atopic dermatitis): Causes, treatment & symptoms.Chernyshov P.Stigmatization and self-perception in children with atopic dermatitis.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2016;9:159-166. doi:10.2147/ccid.s91263
Silverberg J.Comorbidities and the impact of atopic dermatitis.Ann Allerg Asthma Im. 2019;123(2):144-151. doi:10.1016/j.anai.2019.04.020
National Eczema Association.Eczema and mental health: Atopic dermatitis and anxiety and depression.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans 2nd edition.
National Eczema Association.Eczema treatment.
Cleveland Clinic.Eczema (atopic dermatitis): Causes, treatment & symptoms.
Chernyshov P.Stigmatization and self-perception in children with atopic dermatitis.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2016;9:159-166. doi:10.2147/ccid.s91263
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