More Than Skin Deep: Eczema, Mental Health & Making Space to Care for Yourself

In recognition of World Mental Health Day | October 10

When we talk about eczema, the conversation often begins with what we can see: dry skin, irritation, itching, discoloration, redness, or a flare-up.

But living with eczema can affect much more than the surface of your skin.

It can affect how comfortably you sleep. It can influence what you wear, how you feel when you look in the mirror, whether you want to be photographed, and how comfortable you feel around other people. For some people, managing a chronic skin condition can also become another source of stress in an already busy life.

This World Mental Health Day, we want to talk about something that deserves more attention: the connection between caring for your skin and caring for your emotional well-being.

Eczema Is More Than What You See

Atopic dermatitis, one of the most common forms of eczema, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition. Although everyone’s experience is different, itching is one of its most persistent symptoms.

And when itching doesn’t stop just because it’s bedtime, getting a good night’s rest can become difficult.

Research has consistently found an association between atopic dermatitis and sleep disturbance. Itching and scratching at night can make it harder to fall asleep, interrupt sleep after you’ve fallen asleep, or leave you feeling as though you didn’t truly rest at all.

Sleep matters for more than simply feeling tired the next morning. When poor sleep becomes a regular part of life, it can affect concentration, energy, patience, mood, and overall quality of life.

That means someone experiencing eczema may be dealing with much more than irritated skin. They may also be going to work after a difficult night of sleep, trying to focus in school, caring for children, running a household, operating a business, or simply trying to get through their day while feeling exhausted.

That part isn’t always visible.

Eczema and Emotional Well-Being

Studies have also found associations between atopic dermatitis and symptoms of anxiety and depression.

That does not mean that having eczema automatically means someone will experience anxiety or depression. Mental health is complex, and many factors can influence it.

However, researchers and dermatology organizations recognize that the emotional impact of living with eczema deserves attention.

Think about what living with a visible and sometimes unpredictable skin condition can involve.

You may wake up wondering whether today will be a good skin day. You may have a flare right before an important event. You may become frustrated after trying product after product. You might feel self-conscious about an area of your skin that other people can see. Someone may ask an insensitive question. You might avoid certain clothing because you don’t want your skin exposed.

And then there is the physical discomfort itself.

When itching, irritation, lack of sleep, frustration, and self-consciousness begin stacking on top of one another, it makes sense that emotional well-being can be affected too.

The Stress and Eczema Connection

Stress is another important part of the conversation.

The National Eczema Association notes that stress and anxiety can be eczema triggers for some people. At the same time, experiencing a flare can create additional stress.

That can feel like a cycle:

You’re stressed → your skin becomes more difficult to manage → you’re stressed about your skin → the additional stress makes everything feel even heavier.

This is one reason self-care shouldn’t be viewed only as something luxurious or something you do when you have extra time.

Sometimes self-care simply means recognizing what your mind and body need and giving yourself permission to respond.

Your Skin Can Affect Your Confidence, Too

Skin is visible.

And because of that, skin conditions can sometimes affect the way people feel about themselves.

Someone experiencing eczema on their face, hands, neck, arms, or another visible area may feel uncomfortable when other people stare, ask questions, or make comments. A flare can make someone feel differently about taking pictures, attending events, dating, going to work, or simply being seen.

This is why we believe conversations about eczema should include confidence and emotional wellness, not only products and routines.

Your skin may be part of your story, but it doesn’t determine your worth.

And having a difficult skin day doesn’t mean you have to have a difficult relationship with yourself.

10 Ways to Make Space for Your Mental Health

Mental wellness doesn’t always require a major lifestyle overhaul. Sometimes it’s about introducing small, intentional moments into your day.

Here are 10 ways to make a little more room for yourself.

1. Go for a walk outside.

Step away from the screens, notifications, work, and noise for a moment. Take a walk around your neighborhood, visit a park, or simply spend a few minutes outside.

The goal doesn’t have to be a certain number of steps or miles. Sometimes the goal can simply be getting outside and giving your mind somewhere else to be.

2. Create a skin-care ritual you actually enjoy.

Your skin-care routine doesn’t have to feel like another chore.

Make it an intentional moment of care. Choose gentle products appropriate for your skin that feel good to use. If your skin tolerates fragrance, you might also enjoy products with scents that make the experience feel comforting or relaxing. If fragrance bothers your skin, choosing unscented or fragrance-free options may be more appropriate.

Slow down. Moisturize. Pay attention to what your skin is telling you.

Caring for your skin can become a small reminder that you’re worth caring for, too.

3. Protect your sleep.

If possible, create a nighttime routine that tells your body that the day is ending.

Dim the lights. Put the phone away. Take your shower or bath. Moisturize your skin. Make your room comfortable. Give yourself time to unwind rather than expecting your mind to go from full speed to asleep immediately.

And if eczema is regularly interfering with your sleep, consider discussing it with a dermatologist or other qualified healthcare professional. Sleep disruption is worth mentioning rather than simply accepting it as something you have to live with.

4. Give yourself permission to rest.

Rest doesn’t have to be earned.

You don’t have to finish every task, answer every message, clean everything, help everyone, and complete your entire to-do list before you’re allowed to sit down.

Sometimes taking care of yourself means acknowledging, “I’ve done enough for today.”

5. Talk to someone you trust.

You don’t have to carry everything privately.

Call a friend. Sit with someone you love. Talk to your partner. Reach out to a family member. Connect with your community.

And if you’re struggling with your mental health, consider speaking with a licensed mental health professional or another qualified healthcare provider. Asking for professional support can be an important form of self-care.

6. Pay attention to what overwhelms you.

You don’t have to say yes to everything.

Pay attention to the people, situations, environments, and responsibilities that consistently leave you feeling overwhelmed. While we can’t remove every source of stress from our lives, we can become more intentional about our boundaries.

Sometimes protecting your peace looks like saying no, asking for help, taking something off your calendar, or deciding that something can wait.

7. Do something that has absolutely nothing to do with productivity.

Read because you enjoy reading.

Listen to music.

Paint.

Garden.

Watch your favorite show.

Make something with your hands.

Dance around your house.

Have tea with a friend.

Not everything you do has to produce a result, make money, become content, or check something off a list.

Joy has value all by itself.

8. Be mindful of how you speak to yourself.

Pay attention to your internal conversation, especially when you’re experiencing a flare.

Instead of criticizing your appearance or becoming frustrated with your body, practice speaking to yourself with the same patience you would offer someone you care about.

A flare-up is something you’re experiencing. It isn’t who you are.

9. Build small moments of quiet into your day.

Your version of quiet may be prayer, meditation, journaling, deep breathing, sitting with a cup of tea, reading, or simply spending five minutes without your phone.

You don’t necessarily need an hour.

Start with five minutes.

Sometimes creating even a small amount of space between you and everything demanding your attention can make your day feel different.

10. Check in with yourself regularly.

Ask yourself:

How am I actually doing?

Not, “Did I finish everything?”

Not, “Was I productive today?”

Not, “What does everyone else need from me?”

How are you doing?

Are you exhausted? Overwhelmed? Lonely? Restless? Content? Anxious? Excited? Burned out? In need of support?

You can’t respond to what you’re feeling if you never give yourself permission to acknowledge it.

Taking Care of Yourself Is Bigger Than Skincare

At Lizzie’s All Natural Products, we talk a lot about skin.

We talk about moisturizing, ingredients, sensitive skin, eczema, routines, and finding products that work well for you.

But wellness is bigger than what you put on your skin.

It’s getting enough rest.

It’s protecting your peace.

It’s moving your body.

It’s spending time outside.

It’s surrounding yourself with people who make you feel safe and supported.

It’s asking for help when you need it.

It’s allowing yourself to have a difficult day without deciding that you’re failing.

And sometimes, it’s simply slowing down long enough to ask yourself what you need.

On World Mental Health Day, we’re encouraging our community to care for the person underneath the skin, too.

Because taking care of yourself isn’t selfish.

It’s necessary.

A Note From Lizzie’s

This article is intended for general educational and wellness purposes and is not medical or mental health advice. Eczema and mental health conditions should be evaluated and treated by qualified healthcare professionals. If eczema is significantly affecting your sleep, daily activities, emotional well-being, or quality of life, consider speaking with a dermatologist, primary care provider, mental health professional, or another qualified healthcare provider.

References & Further Reading

World Health Organization (WHO)
World Mental Health Day
World Mental Health Day is observed annually on October 10 to raise awareness of mental health issues and support efforts to improve mental health worldwide.

World Health Organization (WHO)
World Mental Health Day 2026: Lived experiences heard: real voices, real change
The 2026 campaign emphasizes meaningfully including people with lived experience in conversations, services, and decisions surrounding mental health.

American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD)
Atopic dermatitis: Symptoms
The AAD discusses the physical and emotional effects of atopic dermatitis, including itching, difficulty sleeping, anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation.

National Eczema Association (NEA)
Daily Eczema Management
The NEA provides information about everyday eczema care, itching, stress management, bathing and moisturizing routines, and recognizing personal triggers.

Jeon C, Yan D, Nakamura M, et al.
Frequency and Management of Sleep Disturbance in Adults with Atopic Dermatitis: A Systematic Review. Dermatology and Therapy. 2017;7(3):349–364.
This systematic review examined sleep disturbance among adults living with atopic dermatitis and identified itching and scratching as important contributors to disrupted sleep.

Rayner DG, et al.
Prevalence of Mental Health Symptoms in Patients With Atopic Dermatitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Clinical & Experimental Allergy. 2025.
This systematic review and meta-analysis examined research on depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and sleep disturbances among people with atopic dermatitis. The authors noted substantial variation among studies, so pooled estimates should be interpreted with appropriate caution.

Xie QW, Dai X, Tang X, Chan CHY, Chan CLW.
Risk of Mental Disorders in Children and Adolescents With Atopic Dermatitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Frontiers in Psychology. 2019.
Research examining the relationship between atopic dermatitis and mental health further supports the importance of considering emotional well-being alongside physical symptoms.

Important: An association between eczema and mental health symptoms does not establish that eczema directly causes anxiety or depression in an individual. Mental health is influenced by many biological, psychological, environmental, and social factors.