Stress and Eczema – How Your Mind Affects Your Skin
Living with eczema can be frustrating — and to make matters worse, stress can make it even harder to manage. If you’ve ever noticed your eczema flaring up during a difficult time, you're not imagining it. There’s a strong connection between stress and eczema, and understanding it can help you take better control of your skin.
​
In this blog, we’ll explore how stress affects eczema, why flare-ups happen during emotional strain, and most importantly — what you can do about it.
The Link Between Stress and Eczema
Stress is more than just a mental or emotional feeling. When you’re stressed, your body responds physically — and for those with eczema, that reaction can show up right on your skin.
​
Here’s how it works:
​
-
Stress activates the body’s “fight or flight” response.
-
This increases levels of cortisol, a hormone that can trigger inflammation.
-
Inflammation can weaken your skin barrier, making it more prone to dryness, itchiness, and flare-ups.
​
Stress doesn’t cause eczema, but it makes existing eczema worse, and it can also make your skin slower to heal.
The Vicious Cycle of Stress and Eczema
Stress causes eczema to flare…
Eczema flare-ups cause more stress…
And the cycle continues.
This emotional-skin loop is common among people with eczema. The itch-scratch-stress cycle can be exhausting, both mentally and physically.
Signs Your Eczema Might Be Stress-Related
​​
-
Flare-ups during busy or emotional times (work deadlines, exams, arguments, etc.)
-
Itching or rashes with no clear food or product trigger
-
Trouble sleeping from itching — leading to more tiredness and stress
-
Skin taking longer to heal after a flare-up
How to Manage Stress to Help Your Skin
While we can’t remove all stress from life, we can reduce its impact on our body and skin. Here are simple ways to calm your mind — and your eczema:
​
1. Practice Relaxation Techniques
Deep breathing, meditation, and gentle yoga can help lower stress hormones in your body. Even just 10 minutes a day can make a difference.
​
2. Get Enough Sleep
Lack of sleep increases stress and slows healing. Aim for 7–9 hours per night, and create a calming bedtime routine. Avoid screens and caffeine before bed.
​
3. Move Your Body
Exercise is a natural stress reliever. Even light activities like walking or stretching can help reduce tension and release feel-good chemicals.
​
4. Keep a Journal
Writing down your thoughts can help you process stress. Track your moods, triggers, and eczema flare-ups to notice patterns and regain control.
​
5. Talk to Someone
Whether it’s a friend, therapist, or support group, speaking about what you're going through
can reduce emotional pressure and help you feel understood.
​
6. Take Breaks & Set Boundaries
Don’t overwork yourself. Schedule breaks, say “no” when needed, and protect your time for rest and self-care.
Bonus: Soothe the Skin Too
While you’re working on stress, help your skin from the outside too:
​
-
Use a fragrance-free, eczema-safe moisturiser
-
Keep fingernails short to prevent damage from scratching
-
Use lukewarm water when bathing — not hot
-
Avoid known irritants like harsh soaps or synthetic fabrics
Final Thoughts
Eczema is more than skin deep. Stress plays a powerful role in triggering flare-ups and slowing down healing. By understanding the stress-eczema connection, you can take steps to care for both your skin and your mental well-being.
Be kind to yourself — your skin reflects more than just your environment; it reflects how you feel inside too.