Autogenic TrainingAutogenic training is a relaxation technique that helps reduce stress, regardless of if you have eczema or not. However, eczema-geared autogenic training has been shown to significantly reduce eczema flares (particularly intense periods of itching) and help with management of eczema overall [1] [3]. Below is a video that walks through how to do eczema-specific autogenic training.
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Why is it important to reduce stress?
Stress is a trigger that can make eczema flare or worsen. This happens because stress releases hormones that may suppress the immune system and proliferate skin inflammation, which makes eczema symptoms even worse. Excessive itching can lead to sleeping problems, which may lead to more stress, which can loop back to worsening eczema symptoms. And if that isn’t enough, stress can also slow down the recovery process of your skin. This can be especially potent for eczema patients who suffer from other health problems such as asthma (which is relatively common, as 2 in 10 adults suffering from eczema also have to deal with eczema) [2]. Stress from unrelated health problems can cause further flaring and worsening of eczema. Furthermore, more than 3 in 10 eczema bearers suffer from anxiety and depression [2]. This is in part due to the lack of awareness and negative stereotypes around eczema. Many think that eczema is contagious (which it isn’t) and this can result in negative mental health effects on those who suffer from eczema. Many eczema patients also feel judged when other people look at their skin. Sometimes when people who do not completely understand their skin situations ask questions about it (“What happened to your skin?”) or give recommendations (“Put some lotion on that!”), it can trigger anxiety in eczema patients. This can make eczema patients feel uncomfortable displaying their inflamed skin in public, which can further lower their self-esteem. In fact, it is quite common for eczema patients to only wear long-sleeved shirts and/or long pants in order to hide their skin disease.
References
1. Chida, Yoichi, et al. "The Effects of Psychological Intervention on Atopic Dermatitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis." International Archives of Allergy and Immunology, vol. 144, no. 1, 2007, pp. 1-9. ProQuest, https://www.proquest.com/scholarly-journals/effects-psychological-intervention-on-atopic/docview/221849892/se-2.
2. “Eczema and Stress: What’s the Link?” Pfizer, www.pfizer.com/news/articles/eczema_and_stress_what_s_the_link#:~:text=However%2C%20research%20highlights%20that%20stress,at%20anxiety%20and%20stress%20reduction. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
3. Oska, Caroline, and Mio Nakamura. “Alternative Psychotherapeutic Approaches to Eczema: CCID.” Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, Dove Press, 14 Dec. 2022, doi.org/10.2147/CCID.S393290. Accessed 21 Apr. 2024.
2. “Eczema and Stress: What’s the Link?” Pfizer, www.pfizer.com/news/articles/eczema_and_stress_what_s_the_link#:~:text=However%2C%20research%20highlights%20that%20stress,at%20anxiety%20and%20stress%20reduction. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
3. Oska, Caroline, and Mio Nakamura. “Alternative Psychotherapeutic Approaches to Eczema: CCID.” Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, Dove Press, 14 Dec. 2022, doi.org/10.2147/CCID.S393290. Accessed 21 Apr. 2024.