Your Stories - Stress

Always stressed - Renee, Austin, Tx, USA

I have always been stressed, and in 2001 my dermatologist did a bio and said I had eczema. I started on the inside of my leg in a circle and itched. To me it looked like a ring worm. Yuck. He prescribed Bethamethasone cream and it went away. For awhile, until it came back hard core on my lower back, wrist arms front and back, and back or legs and face. I had specks of scabs where I had scratched at night. Dr. gave me a cortoid shot (which helped so much) and a cream also for my face. He said to shower in hot water or for to long. No long baths. Pat dry only private parts and under arms and feet, and apply a moisturizer. It works OK, but I know I will always itch and I am young. I try to not be stressed. I exercise but sweating causes bumps also! (May 2007)

Stress and eczema - Rachel, Glasgow, UK

I have always had eczema but it has got much worse since I went to Uni, especially this year when I have gone into honours which I have found challenging. I think it has got worse due to stress as it has improved a little since I was put on Prozac this year. I think alcohol and especially beer also irritates my skin. I often get itchy hands when out at clubs.(This could be the smoky atmosphere) I have found that Aloe Vera Gel has helped me greatly in helping take away the itch at night. I make sure I put on my emollients after as it does dry out my skin a bit. I have also found Starflower oil helps. I still find it difficult to resist the urge to cuddle my cat which I know irritates me. I was touched by Nellie of Brisbane's story. I suffer from low self-esteem which is in part due to my eczema. I have found it hard to be intimate with my boyfriends. I think I irritated the last one because I didn't want to hold hands with him outside without my gloves on. (April 03)

Stress and anxiety - Leanne, London, UK

I find it interesting that with a stress related/aggravated condition that the medical profession don't put a heavier slant on counselling and anxiety management. It's OK giving out the creams - they do part of the job - steroids relieving inflammation, moisturisers keeping skin supple etc, but never once have I been offered any psychological help with my condition. I'm sure that if I knew how to manage my own reactions to given situations, to understand and recognise any onset of anxiety, and deal with it, it would be a great help to my well-being. As it is, I'm doing a DIY job - relaxation exercises, deep breathing, playing music, which all help, but I don't know if I'm missing a vital component to cracking this without professional help. Any psychologists out there with any ideas? (March 03)

Does eczema enable stress or stress aggravate eczema? - Jean-David, Richmond, Canada

I have suffered eczema for all my life. It has always been as severe. I mean there has been no long-term improvement. What I find difficult with this illness is that there is no way out. It hurts but it is bearable but yet it hurts all the time. The fact that it is chronic makes it difficult to live a normal everyday life (something which others don't always understand). Moreover, the stress it creates makes life difficult to enjoy fully. And I wonder sometimes if it's eczema that enables stress or stress that aggravates eczema. In fact, they are inseparable, intrinsic to myself. The fact that it is a malfunctioning gene that is the cause of all this, it is in my nature to be stressed. There are other much more severe illnesses of course, but the fact that it is always there and the little everyday suffering make it hard to deal with. For all these reasons, I would hesitate before having a child. Considering the strong possibility of transmitting this curse. Good luck in your everyday struggle. (March 03)

Stress and eczema - Melanie Jane, Orange County, USA

My eczema started at age 16 during school finals. It is just on my hands and flares up during times of stress even now. I never put the two together until one week before my wedding day! I knew all eyes (and photographs) would be on my hands and sure enough I broke out. Just another reason to control stress in our daily lives! (October 2002)

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Page updated: 21 May 2007