Can Eczema Be Caused by Stress? Understanding the Link Between the Mind and the Skin
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Eczema is one of the most common chronic skin conditions in the UK, affecting children, teenagers, and adults alike. It is widely known for its uncomfortable symptoms: dry patches, redness, flaking, inflammation, and relentless itching. But in recent years, many sufferers have been asking a crucial question: can eczema be caused by stress?
Science now supports what many people have felt for years. Stress does not just affect the mind – it affects the entire body, including the skin. For those who live with eczema, stress can be a powerful trigger, capable of causing flare-ups, intensifying symptoms, and making skin significantly harder to manage.
This comprehensive guide explores the connection between stress and eczema, how stress triggers the immune system, why the skin reacts so visibly, and what you can do to break the cycle. We’ll also recommend some gentle, eczema-friendly products from the Eczema & Sensitive Skin collection at SOHO Brands to help you soothe and protect your skin.
What Is Eczema? A Quick Overview
Before we look at stress, it’s important to understand what eczema actually is. Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition caused by a weakened skin barrier. This means the skin struggles to retain moisture while keeping irritants, allergens, and bacteria out.
Common symptoms include:
- Red or inflamed patches
- Dry, cracked, or rough skin
- Intense itching
- Weeping or blistering (in more severe cases)
- Thickened skin due to repeated scratching
Eczema often comes and goes, with flare-ups triggered by:
- Weather changes
- Allergens
- Harsh skincare products
- Fragrances
- Heat or sweat
- Stress
And yes, stress is now recognised as one of the biggest contributors.
Can Eczema Be Caused by Stress? The Simple Answer
The simple answer is: yes, stress can cause eczema flare-ups, and in some cases, it can appear to trigger eczema symptoms in people who have never experienced them before.
Stress does not create eczema from nothing – you must already have a genetic or environmental predisposition. But stress can activate the body’s inflammatory response, weakening the skin barrier and making eczema symptoms appear or worsen.
In short:
- Stress cannot create eczema from thin air.
- But stress can trigger the condition, worsen existing eczema, or lead to a flare-up after a period of calm.
Understanding why this happens means looking deeper at how stress affects the body.
How Stress Affects the Body: The Science Behind Flare-Ups
When your brain senses stress, it sends signals throughout the body to prepare for a perceived threat. This is known as the “fight or flight” response.
Your body releases hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, which are useful in short bursts. However, long-term stress keeps these hormones consistently elevated, disrupting normal bodily functions.
1. Stress Weakens the Immune System
Long-term stress leads to an overactive immune system. Since eczema is an inflammatory condition, this increase in immune activity can cause inflammation in the skin, leading to:
- redness
- swelling
- itching
- sensitivity
This is one of the main reasons people notice eczema getting worse during stressful times.
2. Stress Impacts the Skin Barrier
Cortisol weakens the skin barrier by reducing the production of essential fats and proteins such as ceramides. These are responsible for keeping moisture in and irritants out.
When the skin barrier is compromised:
- skin becomes dry
- allergens penetrate more easily
- irritation increases
- flare-ups are more likely
3. Stress Increases Itching and the Urge to Scratch
Stress makes the body more reactive to sensations. A minor itch becomes an overwhelming one. This leads to what dermatologists call the “itch–scratch cycle”: itching causes scratching, scratching damages the skin, and damaged skin itches even more.
4. Stress Affects Sleep
Poor sleep is common when you’re stressed, and tired skin heals more slowly. Many eczema sufferers experience their worst itching at night, especially when stressed or overtired, which increases the severity of flare-ups.
Stress-Induced Eczema vs. Regular Eczema: Is There a Difference?
Eczema that is triggered by stress may look the same as eczema triggered by allergens or irritants, but it often presents with:
- sudden onset
- rapid worsening during stressful periods
- cluster flare-ups around the face, neck, or hands
- increased itching
People may notice flare-ups coinciding with:
- work deadlines
- arguments or emotional upset
- exams
- financial stress
- major life changes
- chronic anxiety
Stress-related eczema can be particularly stubborn because the underlying cause is internal, not external.
Does Reducing Stress Improve Eczema?
Most people notice a significant improvement when stress is lowered. Many dermatologists now recommend stress management as part of a full eczema treatment plan alongside topical care and lifestyle adjustments.
People who reduce stress often report:
- fewer flare-ups
- less itching
- softer, calmer skin
- improved sleep
- quicker healing
Managing stress is not a cure, but it is a powerful tool for reducing symptoms.
How to Manage Stress-Related Eczema
Managing stress-induced eczema requires a two-part approach:
- Manage stress internally.
- Treat the skin externally.
Below we explore both sides of the solution.
Part 1: Reducing Stress to Improve Eczema
1. Practise Mindfulness or Meditation
Even 5–10 minutes of deep breathing per day can calm the nervous system and lower cortisol levels.
2. Improve Sleep Hygiene
Better sleep allows the skin to heal. Helpful habits include:
- avoiding screens an hour before bed
- keeping the bedroom cool
- using fragrance-free bedding
- moisturising before sleep
3. Exercise Regularly
Gentle exercise lowers stress hormones, but be mindful of sweat, which can irritate some people with eczema.
4. Keep a Stress–Symptom Journal
Track when flare-ups happen and what was happening emotionally at the time. Many people notice clear patterns.
5. Seek Professional Support
Therapy, counselling, or stress-management coaching can dramatically reduce eczema severity.
Part 2: Skincare for Stress-Induced Eczema
When stress weakens the skin barrier, using gentle, fragrance-free, hydrating skincare becomes essential.
Below are some highly suitable products from the SOHO Brands Eczema & Sensitive Skin range. These will help calm the skin while addressing dryness, inflammation, and irritation.
Recommended Products for Stress-Related Eczema
1. Balmonds Skin Salvation
A rich, natural, oil-based balm formulated to soothe sore, dry, cracked, or inflamed skin. Ideal for calming flare-ups caused by stress, especially on sensitive areas.
2. Thunderbird Wild Crafted Repair Balm
A deeply restorative balm made from wild-crafted botanicals. Excellent for dry patches, redness, and irritation that worsens during stressful periods.
3. Napiers Starflower Dry Skin Cream
A gentle, nourishing moisturiser rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), ideal for eczema-prone skin that needs hydration and barrier support.
4. Balmonds Intensive Hand Cream
Perfect for managing stress-induced hand eczema, especially in people who overwash or experience dryness from anxious habits like rubbing or scratching.
These products are selected for their calming, barrier-supporting formulations, ideal for managing the dryness and irritation associated with stress-related flare-ups.
Daily Routine for Managing Stress-Induced Eczema
If you’re experiencing flare-ups linked to stress, here is a simple, low-irritation routine:
Morning Routine
- Cleanse with a gentle, non-foaming cleanser.
- Apply a hydrating serum or light moisturiser.
- Seal in moisture with a soothing balm if needed.
- Apply sunscreen if going outdoors.
Evening Routine
- Cleanse away sweat, pollution, and irritants.
- Apply a calming moisturiser or night cream.
- Use a thicker balm on dry patches.
- Keep room cool to avoid nighttime itching.
Consistency plays a major role in keeping eczema manageable, regardless of the trigger.
Lifestyle Changes That Help Break the Stress–Eczema Cycle
Stay Hydrated
Skin loses more moisture during flare-ups. Drinking water throughout the day helps support the skin barrier.
Avoid Harsh Products
Fragrances, strong exfoliants, and soaps can worsen eczema, especially when stressed.
Wear Breathable, Soft Fabrics
Cotton and bamboo reduce irritation compared to wool or synthetics.
Keep Showers Short and Warm, Not Hot
Hot water dries out skin quickly and can worsen redness.
Limit Caffeine and Alcohol
Both can increase dehydration and inflammation.
When to See a Dermatologist
While stress management and skincare can significantly improve symptoms, it’s important to seek professional help if:
- flare-ups become severe
- skin feels hot, swollen, or infected
- eczema spreads rapidly
- you experience disrupted sleep
- over-the-counter treatments don’t help
Dermatologists can provide tailored advice, prescribe medication when necessary, and help identify triggers.
So, Can Eczema Be Caused by Stress? Final Thoughts
Stress is not the only cause of eczema, but it is undeniably one of the most powerful triggers. The mind and skin are closely connected, and when stress levels rise, eczema symptoms often follow. The good news is that by understanding this connection, you can take practical steps to manage stress and reduce flare-ups.
The most effective approach combines:
- stress reduction
- consistent skincare
- lifestyle improvements
- gentle, eczema-safe products
By supporting your emotional health and caring for your skin barrier, you can break the stress–eczema cycle and experience calmer, more comfortable skin.
We hope you found this blog useful! If you're finding yourself needing some skincare to help with eczema, check out our before and after blog from one of our bestselling brands. Read it here.
