Atopic dermatitis (AD) doesn’t have a cure, so when you have it, you have it for life. Many people who live with the condition deal with low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, and stress because of its symptoms.
“Atopic dermatitis, or eczema, is a common enough condition that many times people say ‘Oh, it’s just eczema,’” says William F. Smith, MD, dermatologist at Louisville Dermatology Institute in Shelbyville, KY. “But it’s not ‘just’ eczema, it can really take its toll on people who live with it.”
The best management for AD includes treatment from a dermatologist, but there are ways that you on your own can improve your quality of life, mindset, and relationship with your skin as you navigate life with this chronic skin condition.
Prioritize Your Skin Self-Care
AD can be an unpredictable and inconsistent condition. You may feel out of control when symptoms flare, so setting up good self-care habits is one way to feel like you’re in the driver’s seat.
Work with your doctor to figure out which products and practices will be most soothing for your skin. Once you know how you respond, stick to a regimen. Put your skin care at the top of your to-do list every day. Try to remember that because your symptoms can have such a big impact on your mood and well-being, the care you give your skin sets you up for success in other areas of your daily life.
Make the following a part of your regular routine:
- Moisturize frequently.
- Keep your fingernails short so scratching does less damage.
- Wear loose-fitting clothes.
- Stay cool.
- Follow the treatment plan your doctor recommends.
Advocate for Yourself
Your dermatologist’s expertise is in treating your skin, but your care shouldn’t stop there. Good AD treatment should include a focus on mental and emotional wellness, too.
“In the best-case scenario, you have a dermatologist who’s tuned into your needs beyond medical treatment and will make those suggestions to you,” says Smith. “But if not, you can and should ask them for advice on habits that support whole health.”
Ask your doctor for ways you can boost your overall wellness, such as skin-friendly workouts you can do to stay active, relaxation techniques to lower stress, and foods that nourish your body from the inside out. If you’re dealing with symptoms of depression or anxiety, talk to your doctor about a referral to a counselor or whether medication could help.
Connect With Others
Whether it’s in a support group setting or one-on-one, find others who know what life with AD is like. Being around others who “get it” can help you feel less alone and more empowered. You can find in-person meetings or online groups that provide a place for community and understanding among people with AD.
“Some of my patients have joined social media groups where they can ask questions and share stories with other people who live with eczema,” says Smith.
Ask your doctor for resources in your area, or visit the websites of national organizations such as the American Academy of Dermatology, the National Eczema Association, and the National Eczema Society. These sites offer solid information as well as avenues for connection with people who are also living with AD.
Avoid Triggers (While Living Your Life)
Keep a journal that tracks how your skin fares over time. Along with symptoms, record information such as the weather when you had certain symptoms, the food you ate, how much stress you were under, and any medications you were taking, including the ones that aren’t for eczema. This may show you patterns in your flares and give you a better understanding of what sets off your symptoms.
Your doctor might also suggest skin testing or food allergy testing to pinpoint triggers of your AD.
Once you know what’s kicking your flares into gear, make an action plan. Know what you’ll do, for example, in different types of weather and act ahead of time to prevent episodes. Keep products on hand that will help you deal with itch when it crops up unexpectedly. The more prepared you are, the less your AD will interfere with your everyday life.
Make Peace With Your Skin
Your AD doesn’t define you, but it is part of you. Loving the skin you’re in can mean many things. First, be responsible with your treatment and skin care. Educate yourself on your condition so you’re in the know about the best way to live with it.
Making peace with your AD doesn’t mean faking feelings you don’t feel. You can embrace your skin as it is with intentional practices such as visualization, affirmations, and a gratitude diary. Over time, you may notice your outlook start to shift as you move your mindset away from the negative and toward acceptance.
