Apaiser eczéma nerveux ou émotionnel.

Nervous and Emotional Eczema: How to Soothe It?

Eczema flare-ups can occur as a result of stress or emotion, causing red lesions and sometimes painful itching. How does nervous eczema manifest itself? And most importantly, how can it be soothed? Discover some answers here.

Nervous Eczema: What is it?

Eczema is a skin issue caused by various internal and external factors. It is characterized by skin dryness, inflammation, and itching. When the red patches and itching are triggered or worsened by psychological factors, it is then referred to as eczema that is nervous or emotional.

From a biological perspective, stress exacerbates skin inflammation by triggering the degranulation of mast cells, immune cells associated with allergic reactions. Certain neuropeptides such as CRH (corticotropin releasing hormone), neurotensin, substance P, and other tachykinins are responsible for this degradation. The release of these hormones initiates a series of reactions that lead to the release of mediators responsible for the itching and vasodilation of vessels in the case of eczema.

Managing stress to soothe emotional eczema.

Stress is ubiquitous in our lives and cannot always be avoided. However, several methods can help to better cope with it, and thus, prevent flare-ups of stress-related eczema if you are prone to it. To start, we recommend adopting a healthy lifestyle, regularly engaging in physical activity, and maintaining a regular sleep schedule as much as possible.

Although they are not extensively studied due to methodological difficulties and the uniqueness of each patient, psychotherapies also appear to play a beneficial role in inflammatory skin conditions. Visiting a psychologist is still not widely normalized today, but when the support of loved ones is no longer enough or a sense of discomfort persists, it can help to feel better.

You can also resort to yoga or meditation to lower your stress levels. Both involve deep breathing techniques and focus of attention, which help to reduce the activation of the sympathetic nervous system, responsible for the stress response. Furthermore, yoga and meditation promote a distancing from negative thoughts and stressful emotions, which aids in regaining a more peaceful state of mind.

Note : these various methods have not directly proven their effectiveness on individuals suffering from nervous eczema, but they generally help to reduce an individual's overall stress level.

Apply an emollient daily.

In addition to better stress management, individuals prone to emotional eczema are advised to follow the same recommendations as those suffering fromeczema atopic or contact. The first step to take is the daily application of an emollient. This treatment helps to restore the skin barrier by helping to compensate for the lack of lipids. This limits the evaporation of water from the skin and the passage of allergens that cause the inflammatory reaction. Emollient balms are treatments formulated to nourish, soften, and soothe the skin. They provide a feeling of hydration and comfort and help to limit the intensity and frequency of flare-ups.

Appropriate showers.

To avoid itching and eczema flare-ups, it is recommended to favor gentle, non-irritating cleansing care, preferably containing neither fragrance nor allergens. There are soothing and non-drying cosmetic formulas, specifically designed for people with a atopic or sensitive skin. If in doubt, seek advice from your dermatologist who can guide you to an appropriate product.

When you cleanse, it is recommended to shower with lukewarm water instead of taking baths, in order to reduce the duration of water contact with the skin. Water, especially hot water, can indeed be drying to the epidermis. It is also advised for individuals suffering from eczema to gently dry their skin after showering using a soft and fluffy towel. Since rubbing can cause irritation and itching, it is better to perform light patting instead.

Avoid scratching yourself.

A fundamental yet challenging rule to adhere to is to avoid scratching as much as possible, as this risks damaging the skin and exacerbating the lesions ofeczema. To reduce itching sensations, you can usethermal water or certain essential oils, whose anti-inflammatory properties help to soothe the itch. They can be applied directly to the skin through massage or sprayed if they come in a spray form.

Another tip to alleviate itching sensations is to apply cold to the areas of itchiness. Indeed, this is an excellent soothing method. To reap its benefits, apply a cold compress, previously placed in the refrigerator, to the itchy areas for about thirty minutes. You can also use ice cubes, provided they are wrapped in a clean cloth. Do not apply ice cubes directly to your skin, as this could cause a burn.

Sources

  • ROGUEDAS A. M. et MISERY L. Atopie et stress. Annales de dermatologie et de vénéréologie (2004).

  • GOLDENBERG G. & al. Eczema. The Mount Sinai journal of medicine (2011).

  • YEUNG J. & al. Diagnosis and treatment of pruritus. The College of Family Physicians of Canada (2017).

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