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Studies show that more than 40 percent of patients have had thoughts of self-harm. A patient said that 70 percent of his skin was wounded. A large area of his flesh was infected. Whenever he went out, he felt discriminated against. He was afraid that he might have to suffer for the rest of his life. It was physically and mentally painful that he wanted to end his life.

There are various types of eczema, but atopic dermatitis is the most common.

Eczema is an inflammatory chronic skin disorder. Patients may experience symptoms such as dry skin, itchiness, rashes, scaly patches, blisters, and infections. Some patients find it difficult to sleep due to itchiness.

Hong Kong Eczema Concern Group recently joined an international study on how Eczema impacts mental health.

Of the 116 participants in Hong Kong, 66 percent believed treatments were ineffective. Seventy-two percent thought dermatitis medication and treatments are pricey. Thirty-four percent of interviewees commented on the long waiting time for treatment.

Additionally, over half of the interviewees hoped to improve sleep and mental health and complete recovery.

Eczema’s Long-term Effects Other Than a Skin Condition

Eczema impacts patients both physically and mentally. Not only is there no cure for Eczema, the dryness and excessive scratching due to itches make them anxious. The vicious cycle of stress and anxiety can worsen eczema symptoms.

According to the National Eczema Association (NEA), over 31 million Americans suffer from some form of Eczema in the U.S. alone. In their article, NEA stated, “Eczema develops when an overactive immune system causes dry and itchy skin. While the exact cause of Eczema is unknown, researchers know that Eczema develops in people because of a reaction between genes and environmental triggers. Many eczema patients report denoting systems such as hay fever, asthma, and allergies.”

The Hong Kong Allergy Association cited the study and pointed out that over half of the children with Eczema feel unhappy or depressed. Adult eczema patients suffer from depression with similar severity to cancer patients.

Their anxiety can be higher than stroke or diabetes patients.

Forty-four percent of eczema patients have thoughts of committing suicide.

Eczema Is a Lifetime of Suffering

Mr. Fok, a 27-year-old eczema patient, shared that he was diagnosed with the skin condition three years ago. During the worst period, he suffered from severely infected, wounded skin with a foul odor on 2/3 of his body.

He said the itchiness was from dusk till dawn for half a year.

“At the time, my body was full of bleeding wounds and pus. Taking a shower or bath would make my life a living hell as it aggravates the pain.” Mr. Fok said he would avoid taking a shower daily during the winter. But it is impossible to skip showers every day in the summer.”

Mr. Fok experienced tingling pain as if thousands of needles were poking him. It was torturous for him.

Eczema has no cure to date. There are only treatments to suppress and improve the symptoms. Mr. Fok pointed out that before he went outside in the summer, he would wrap his hands and feet with medical bandages. Once, he overheard someone mocking him and saying, “the mummy should be staying home.” Mr. Fok feels discriminated against by people on the street. His family’s support was not enough. His anxiety became worse to the point of considering suicide.

“I was afraid of living in pain for the rest of my life. Sometimes I thought about jumping off the window, ending it all.” Fortunately for him, the window was too small.

Seek Relief in Mindfulness

Since anxiety and the severity of eczema symptoms, particularly chronic itchy skin, go hand in hand, NEA stated that itches due to Eczema go further than just dry skin. Patients also might be more prone to poor sleep, liver disease, and mental disorders, such as depression and anxiety.

NEA suggested that the best thing to counter itches is prevention. Maintaining good hygiene, bathing, and moisturizing regularly or after washing hands is essential. Patients should also not skip any prescribed medication.

Avoid products with artificial chemicals, dye, alcohol, and fragrance, which trigger skin irritation. The Association pointed out that eczema skin feels dry because it cannot retain moisture as healthy skin does. Hence your moisturizers should be rich in oil content.

Oatmeal Bath for Itch Relief

Soak the affected skin area with an oatmeal bath (store-bought natural oatmeal and water). Oatmeal helps reduce inflammation, flare-ups, redness, and itches. The water should be lukewarm instead of hot.

Practice Mindfulness

The National Eczema Association advocates mindfulness to manage anxiety and mental distress. Building healthier and more balanced lifestyles will make a positive difference over time. A clean and green diet will provide your body with the necessary vitamins and nutrients to function correctly.

Meditation, yoga, and breathing exercises calm the nervous system that sends your brain stress signals. These can be 5 to 15 minutes sessions. This process is called neuroplasticity. As you decrease your level of anxiety, the itchiness and urge to scratch will slowly subside.

Yoga is a great tool to boost blood circulation, promoting healing and cell repair. In traditional Chinese medicine, improving energy, known as Chi, will help our immune system regain balance.

It also activates the parasympathetic nervous system.

Ask For Help

Hong Kong Eczema Concern Group and Hong Kong Allergies Association encouraged patients with anxiety to speak up. Talking to loved ones helps them understand your difficulties and emotions. Family members should also be supportive so patients feel calmer and less stressed.

Social Worker Wong Man-yee pointed out, “Due to the lockdown and isolation in the pandemic, many doctor appointments and friendly gatherings have been canceled or postponed. The situation limits patients from reaching their emotional support system. Both organizations are now providing free emotional support to the public.



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