Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsMenopause and Skin ChangesManagementWhich Provider to SeeFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Menopause and Skin Changes
Management
Which Provider to See
Frequently Asked Questions
Menopauseis a time of significant change, and skin changes are common. You may have noticed that your skin has become drier and more sensitive over time. This may be due to menopause, aging, or both.
It’s estimated that more than 31 million Americans have been diagnosed witheczema. It is common in babies and children. In adults, the condition is most commonly diagnosed either in a person’s 20s or after age 50.
This article will provide an overview of the relationship between eczema and menopause and how to treat it.
PansLaos / Getty Images.
Estrogen, Menopause, and Skin Changes
During perimenopause and menopause, the estrogen level in the body significantly decreases. This drop in estrogen is responsible for many physical changes associated with menopause, including to the skin. People going through menopause may notice that their skin seems more sensitive, drier, and less resilient. These changes can then lead to eczema.
There are a high number of estrogen receptors in the skin. That is why the skin is so sensitive to hormonal changes. People going through eczema often experience decreased collagen levels, skin wrinkles, skin thinning, flaking, and bruising.
What Is Menopause?Menopauseis defined as going 12 months without a menstrual period. In the years leading up to menopause, known as perimenopause, many people experience irregular periods, as well as other symptoms. The transition to menopause usually begins around the ages of 45 to 55.
What Is Menopause?
Menopauseis defined as going 12 months without a menstrual period. In the years leading up to menopause, known as perimenopause, many people experience irregular periods, as well as other symptoms. The transition to menopause usually begins around the ages of 45 to 55.
Eczema Symptoms
Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that causes patches of itchy skin. In people with light-colored skin, it can appear red. In people with darker skin tones, the color change may be less obvious, from gray to purple-brown.
Common symptomsof the condition include:
Symptoms of MenopauseCommon symptoms of menopause include:Hot flashesNight sweatsHeadachesJoint painFatigueDisturbed sleepDepressionIrritabilityLoss of libido
Symptoms of Menopause
Common symptoms of menopause include:Hot flashesNight sweatsHeadachesJoint painFatigueDisturbed sleepDepressionIrritabilityLoss of libido
Common symptoms of menopause include:
Related Co-Occurring Conditions
Menopause leads to several physical, psychological, and hormonal changes.
The amount ofcollagenin the skin also changes with menopause. Collagen is a protein that gives skin elasticity and resilience. It helps your skin spring back into place rather than sagging. It’s estimated that the skin loses 30% of its collagen during the first five years of menopause and 2% per year for the next 20 years.
Skin changes associated with menopause include:
At menopause, the ovaries stop functioning and stop producing estrogen. This can lead to other skin changes, including:
Skin Changes in PerimenopauseThe years leading to menopause are consideredperimenopause. During this time, the body is transitioning into menopause when the ovaries stop functioning. Estrogen levels are starting to fall during perimenopause, so it is possible to start experiencing skin changes before you have entered menopause.
Skin Changes in Perimenopause
The years leading to menopause are consideredperimenopause. During this time, the body is transitioning into menopause when the ovaries stop functioning. Estrogen levels are starting to fall during perimenopause, so it is possible to start experiencing skin changes before you have entered menopause.
Is Menopause on the Horizon?
Managing Eczema With Menopausal Symptoms
The skin changes that accompany menopause can feel quite burdensome. Fortunately, there are treatments available to offer some relief.
Destressing: Making Space for Self-Care
Stressand skin health are connected, so managing your stress can positively impact eczema.It can also improve other menopausal symptoms, such as irritability and depression. To get started, find a stress management technique that works for you. Here are a few ideas:
How to Manage Stress: Top Strategies for Stress Relief
Safe Products
When you have eczema, your skin is especially sensitive to your environment. Any skin care product with strong scents or chemicals can irritate the skin.
Check the ingredient list when buying products that touch your skin, such as makeup, lotion, or laundry detergent. Look for products that are gentle and fragrance-free.
Emollients
Emollientsare components of certain skin products that help to heal and moisturize the skin.Examples include urea, glycerine, andalpha hydroxy acids. Choose skin care products that contain emollients and avoid any ones with lanolin or fragrances.
How to Heal Dry Skin With Emollients
Change Your Shower Routine
If you’re a fan of scalding hot showers, the hot water may be contributing to your skin irritation. For people with eczema, warm, short showers are best.This is because hot water can dry out the skin.
After your short shower, dry off with a 100% cotton towel and apply a gentle moisturizer.
Healthy Diet
For your meals and snacks, be mindful of consuming healthy fats, protein, zinc, and vitamin C.
Corticosteroids
A corticosteroid may be the next step when lifestyle changes and over-the-counter (OTC) medications do not improve your eczema.Steroids can lower inflammation in the body and calm irritated skin. Topical corticosteroids are available as both OTC creams and prescription-strength options.
Prescription Medications
Topical calcineurin inhibitors may be prescribed for maintenance after the breakout has been extinguished with steroid cream.These includeElidel (pimecrolimus) and Protopic (tacrolimus).
Biologics such as Dupixent (dupilumab) or Adbry (tralokinumab) andJanus kinase (JAK) inhibitorssuch as Rinvoq (upadacitinib), and Cibinqo (abrocitinib) are approved to treat severe eczema and can be used with steroids.
Lifestyle Changes
Do You Need a Gynecologist, Dermatologist, or Both?
Because menopause and eczema are linked, which provider to consult for the issues can feel confusing. A dermatologist (a medical doctor specializing in diagnosing and treating conditions of the skin, hair, and nails) can guide your treatment for eczema. If you are experiencing any additional menopause symptoms, such as hot flashes or vaginal dryness, talk with your gynecologist (a medical doctor specializing in diagnosing, treating, and providing routine care of the reproductive system in women).
Summary
There are several treatment options for eczema related to menopause. Talk with your healthcare provider about prescription medications if needed. Work on managing your stress and consider making lifestyle changes to benefit your skin.
Frequently Asked QuestionsYes, the most common times to be diagnosed with eczema as an adult are in your 20s and after age 50. The skin changes with age, and dryness and irritation are common.Menopause may trigger eczema because of low levels of estrogen. Estrogen levels stay low after menopause, so you will likely not experience an improvement on its own. It’s important to work with your healthcare provider to get the help you need.Eczema is an inflammatory condition, so avoiding inflammatory foods may be helpful in reducing your symptoms. Try to avoid red meat, gluten, shellfish, citrus fruits, cow’s milk, and dairy products.Learn MoreEczema: What to Eat for Better Management
Yes, the most common times to be diagnosed with eczema as an adult are in your 20s and after age 50. The skin changes with age, and dryness and irritation are common.
Menopause may trigger eczema because of low levels of estrogen. Estrogen levels stay low after menopause, so you will likely not experience an improvement on its own. It’s important to work with your healthcare provider to get the help you need.
Eczema is an inflammatory condition, so avoiding inflammatory foods may be helpful in reducing your symptoms. Try to avoid red meat, gluten, shellfish, citrus fruits, cow’s milk, and dairy products.Learn MoreEczema: What to Eat for Better Management
Eczema is an inflammatory condition, so avoiding inflammatory foods may be helpful in reducing your symptoms. Try to avoid red meat, gluten, shellfish, citrus fruits, cow’s milk, and dairy products.
Learn MoreEczema: What to Eat for Better Management
15 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.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Caring for your skin in menopause.National Eczema Association.Eczema causes, triggers & symptoms.National Eczema Society.Eczema in later life.National Institute on Aging.What is menopause?.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Eczema types: atopic dermatitis symptoms.Nair PA.Dermatosis associated with menopause.J Midlife Health. 2014;5(4):168-175. doi:10.4103/0976-7800.145152 PMC link used as doi does not lead to article.National Eczema Association.Stress relief techniques help eczema.NHS.Emollients.National Eczema Association.Bathing and eczema.Nosrati A, Afifi L, Danesh MJ, Lee K, Yan D, Beroukhim K, Ahn R, Liao W.Dietary modifications in atopic dermatitis: patient-reported outcomes.J Dermatolog Treat. 2017;28(6):523-538. doi:10.1080/09546634.2016.1278071 full text only at PMC link.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Eczema types: atopic dermatitis diagnosis and treatment.Food and Drug Administration.Opzelura label.American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Eczema.Office on Women’s Health.Menopause treatment.National Eczema Association.Eczema diet: top foods to eat and avoid.
15 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.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Caring for your skin in menopause.National Eczema Association.Eczema causes, triggers & symptoms.National Eczema Society.Eczema in later life.National Institute on Aging.What is menopause?.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Eczema types: atopic dermatitis symptoms.Nair PA.Dermatosis associated with menopause.J Midlife Health. 2014;5(4):168-175. doi:10.4103/0976-7800.145152 PMC link used as doi does not lead to article.National Eczema Association.Stress relief techniques help eczema.NHS.Emollients.National Eczema Association.Bathing and eczema.Nosrati A, Afifi L, Danesh MJ, Lee K, Yan D, Beroukhim K, Ahn R, Liao W.Dietary modifications in atopic dermatitis: patient-reported outcomes.J Dermatolog Treat. 2017;28(6):523-538. doi:10.1080/09546634.2016.1278071 full text only at PMC link.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Eczema types: atopic dermatitis diagnosis and treatment.Food and Drug Administration.Opzelura label.American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Eczema.Office on Women’s Health.Menopause treatment.National Eczema Association.Eczema diet: top foods to eat and avoid.
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.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Caring for your skin in menopause.National Eczema Association.Eczema causes, triggers & symptoms.National Eczema Society.Eczema in later life.National Institute on Aging.What is menopause?.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Eczema types: atopic dermatitis symptoms.Nair PA.Dermatosis associated with menopause.J Midlife Health. 2014;5(4):168-175. doi:10.4103/0976-7800.145152 PMC link used as doi does not lead to article.National Eczema Association.Stress relief techniques help eczema.NHS.Emollients.National Eczema Association.Bathing and eczema.Nosrati A, Afifi L, Danesh MJ, Lee K, Yan D, Beroukhim K, Ahn R, Liao W.Dietary modifications in atopic dermatitis: patient-reported outcomes.J Dermatolog Treat. 2017;28(6):523-538. doi:10.1080/09546634.2016.1278071 full text only at PMC link.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Eczema types: atopic dermatitis diagnosis and treatment.Food and Drug Administration.Opzelura label.American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Eczema.Office on Women’s Health.Menopause treatment.National Eczema Association.Eczema diet: top foods to eat and avoid.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Caring for your skin in menopause.
National Eczema Association.Eczema causes, triggers & symptoms.
National Eczema Society.Eczema in later life.
National Institute on Aging.What is menopause?.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Eczema types: atopic dermatitis symptoms.
Nair PA.Dermatosis associated with menopause.J Midlife Health. 2014;5(4):168-175. doi:10.4103/0976-7800.145152 PMC link used as doi does not lead to article.
National Eczema Association.Stress relief techniques help eczema.
NHS.Emollients.
National Eczema Association.Bathing and eczema.
Nosrati A, Afifi L, Danesh MJ, Lee K, Yan D, Beroukhim K, Ahn R, Liao W.Dietary modifications in atopic dermatitis: patient-reported outcomes.J Dermatolog Treat. 2017;28(6):523-538. doi:10.1080/09546634.2016.1278071 full text only at PMC link.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Eczema types: atopic dermatitis diagnosis and treatment.
Food and Drug Administration.Opzelura label.
American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Eczema.
Office on Women’s Health.Menopause treatment.
National Eczema Association.Eczema diet: top foods to eat and avoid.
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