Recognising the emotional impact of eczema
Did you know?
According to people with eczema, doctors largely ignore the emotional impact of eczema, and only a quarter of them had been given any advice on this aspect of the disease by their doctor.9
Living with eczema can evoke a host of negative feelings, irrespective of the severity of someone's condition. Feelings such as unhappiness, embarrassment, worthlessness, frustration, anxiety and anger can lead to low self-esteem, stress and even depression, and can have a severe impact on quality of life. Whilst people may have negative feelings all the time, these may be heightened during flare-ups.
Bullying
Bullying is a particular problem for children with eczema and their parents, and around a quarter of people have been bullied or teased because of their eczema.9 Bullying is not just physical or verbal abuse, being shunned or excluded can be just as damaging, so it is important for parents and Healthcare Professionals to look out for signs of bullying:
- Physical symptoms, such as headaches or bruising
- Behaving out of character, such as becoming irritable or anxious, making a fuss about or refusing to go to school, expressing extremes of emotion etc.
Discrimination
Many adults with eczema believe that they have been subjected to discrimination at work; including being stared at, being excluded by colleagues and having comments made about them behind their back. Employers may be inflexible about medical appointments and unsympathetic about the need to have time off work. In some cases, eczema can hinder someone's chance at job interviews, limit career progression and even restrict their choice of career.9
For those who've experienced discrimination, the most important factor in improving their quality of life would be to gain control of their eczema. Helping your patients to establish an effective emollient routine and perceive when treatment is working really can make a difference.8
Relationships problems
People with eczema often have a feeling of social isolation as a result of feeling unable to form friendships and relationships.9 In particular, during flare-ups they are more likely to avoid socialising, being seen naked, or being touched by a partner or loved one, all of which can increase their sense of isolation.
Talking and listening to your patients can help you to identify those who are experiencing emotional difficulties and facing challenging situations. Providing advice and guidance and referring patients to other sources of support, if appropriate, can help them to manage their emotions and face difficulties. Why not download our reminder guide about the emotional impact of eczema.
Various support services are available within the NHS, including counsellors and psychologists if someone's condition is causing emotional distress. Specialist support for children includes:
- Local paediatric team – for problems such as sleep disturbance
- Child psychologists - for children who are showing seriously disturbed behaviour
- School nurses - who can help to educate schools
- Teaching assistants - who can make sure a child receives their treatment during the day and help to educate the other children
- Child Protection Service - if there is a risk that family stresses may be putting the child in danger of neglect or abuse
- Sleep clinics - to help break difficult sleeping patterns
References:
- 8.Zuberbier T et al. (2006) Patient perspectives on the management of atopic dermatitis. J Allergy Clin Immunol, 118 (1), 226-32.
- 9.National Eczema Society (2004) International Study Of Life with Atopic Eczema (ISOLATE) Data on file, National eczema Society. International Study of Life with Atopic Eczema article