Relationship Between Atopic Dermatitis and Depression

Introduction

Eczema, also called atopic dermatitis, is an inflammatory skin condition. Eczema is a chronic and pruritic skin inflammatory condition in infants and adults characterized as dry itching and inflammatory diseases. The common conditions associated with atopic dermatitis or eczema are asthma, food allergies, and skin infections. It is also observed that mental disorders trigger atopic dermatitis. Stress, anxiety, and depression could trigger atopic dermatitis or eczema. There are many treatment methods available to treat atopic dermatitis and depression. Sometimes, people with atopic dermatitis could experience suicide ideation and attempts.

What Is Eczema?

Eczema is also known as atopic dermatitis, the skin's inflammation. Triggering triggers for eczema include environmental factors and behavioral factors. Eczema is not a contagious skin condition.

Eczema has different types according to age prevalence.

• Baby eczema or infantile atopic dermatitis.

• Childhood eczema.

• Adult atopic dermatitis or adult eczema.

Other types of eczema are given below.

• In allergic contact dermatitis, contact with an allergen causes the immune response; contact dermatitis occurs.

• Dyshidrotic eczema, this type of eczema is characterized by blisters and irritation on the palms and soles.

• Neurodermatitis, commonly known as lichen simplex chronicus, is a skin ailment characterized by severe itching and scratching, resulting in inflamed skin areas..

• Discoid eczema is also called nummular eczema, and the clinical features include irritation and crusty and scaly skin.

• Stasis dermatitis (also known as gravitation dermatitis, venous eczema, and venous stasis dermatitis) creates a red, itchy, and scaly rash on the lower limbs. The condition most commonly arises when there is insufficient blood flow and circulation to the veins in one or both legs.

• Seborrheic dermatitis is a prevalent skin disorder that primarily affects the scalp. It results in scaly patches, irritated skin, and persistent dandruff. It mainly affects the cheeks, sides of the nose, brows, ears, eyelids, and chest, which are oily parts of the body.

What Are the Symptoms of Eczema?

Symptoms are commonly observed in the face, neck, head, elbows, and lower extremities. In addition, patients with infantile atopic dermatitis will show elevated IgE antibodies. The common symptoms of atopic dermatitis are listed below.

• Erythema, known as redness, is present.

• Scaly skin.

• Dry skin.

• Swelling.

• Skin is very thick.

• The color of the skin is pale ashen skin on the face of the infants.

• Small bumps are raised with a crusty surface; while scratching the spots, a fluid is leaked.

• Eyelids and the area around the eyes appear dark.

• The skin around the mouth, eyes, and ears will show changes.

• Skin infections are present.

• Open sores are seen.

What Are the Causes of Eczema?

It is suggested that genetic and environmental factors are responsible for the incidence of eczema. The etiology for most Infantile atopic dermatitis cases or baby eczema is familial. The various other causes of eczema are given below.

• Skin irritants include irritant soaps, shampoos, disinfectants, and certain foods.

• Allergens like dust, pollen grains, and metals can cause allergic dermatitis.

• Microorganisms such as bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus, viruses, and fungi.

• Hot temperature.

• Cold temperature.

• The flare-ups of eczema can occur due to consuming some foods like soy and dairy.

• Psychological stress.

• Hormones.

• Other infantile atopic dermatitis causes excessive heat, sweating, anxiety, and some infections.

• The triggers responsible for the flare-ups of the itchy rash in eczema are mentioned below.

  • Touching excessive temperature.

  • Fabrics are either rough or coarse.

  • Soaps and detergents.

  • Respiratory illness.

  • Common cold.

  • Stressful situations.

  • Sweat.

What Is the Link Between Atopic Dermatitis and Depression?

It is observed that eczema is triggered by depression and mental health. Mental health conditions such as stress, anxiety, and depression trigger atopic dermatitis. People with atopic dermatitis caused due to autoimmune disorders are found to present with depression. The skin symptoms of atopic dermatitis hurt the affected people due to debilitating skin symptoms, loss of sleep, and some psychological factors. The psychological factors causing flare-ups in atopic dermatitis include shame, impaired work performance in school, and low self-esteem. The stressful psychological symptoms and other emotional problems will impact atopic dermatitis and worsen the condition. Increased adrenaline and cortisol levels could be a trigger of atopic dermatitis. Signs of depression due to atopic dermatitis can occur due to specific stimuli. Some of the symptoms of depression are given below.

• Low mood.

• Low self-esteem.

• Self-hatred.

• Helpless feel.

• Irritability.

• The outburst of anger.

• Intolerance.

• Self-harm.

• Suicide thoughts.

• Persistent worrying.

• Slower body movements than usual.

• Loss of focus.

• Lack of energy.

• Loss of sleep.

What Is the Treatment of Depression Due to Eczema?

The treatment of depression and eczema is primarily based on conventional methods. Skin symptoms should be reduced, and the triggers should be avoided. The various treatment options for treating eczema are included below.

• Medical therapy.

• Topical corticosteroids.

• Oral corticosteroids.

• Antihistamines.

• Topical immunomodulators.

• Oral antibiotics.

• Phototherapy.

• Photodynamic therapy.

• Nutrition and diet supplements.

• Herbal remedies.

• Homeopathy.

• Massage and physical therapy.

• Exercises.

• Climatotherapy.

• Mind-body medicine.

• Aloe vera gel, coconut oil, and apple cider vinegar are applied.

• Wet wrap therapy.

• Anti-inflammatory diet.

The treatment modes to resolve depression are mentioned below.

• Meditation can reduce anxiety.

• Mindfulness.

• Massage therapy.

• Yoga.

• Biofeedback.

• Exercises.

• Sleep.

• Engaging in creative activities and entertainment.

• Music therapy.

• Hypnosis is a mental state characterized by intense concentration, decreased peripheral awareness, and increased suggestibility. Experts utilize a variety of approaches to induce such a state.

• Antidepressants like serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and Bupropion.

• Anti-anxiety medications like benzodiazepines.

• Mood stabilizers.

• Antipsychotic medications.

Conclusion

Eczema or atopic dermatitis is an inflammatory condition characterized by an itching rash with inflammatory symptoms. Eczema is the most common skin condition observed in children and adults. Eczema does not have any gender or race preference. The mental state is also affected by atopic dermatitis. The depression-associated symptoms can be reduced with various modes of treatment. It is believed that mental health conditions such as stress, anxiety, and depression will worsen the situation. A nutritional diet, lifestyle modifications, and doctor-advised remedies are followed to reduce the symptoms of depression-associated eczema. However, the prognosis of depression-associated atopic dermatitis is good.