Can stress make eczema worse?

Stress can be associated with eczema flare-ups and may make existing symptoms more difficult to manage. However, eczema has many potential triggers, so stress isn't necessarily the only cause of a flare-up.

Can anxiety cause skin problems?

Anxiety and prolonged psychological stress can affect the body's immune and inflammatory responses and may contribute to symptoms in people with existing skin conditions. If you're experiencing new or persistent skin problems, it's important to get an appropriate diagnosis rather than assuming anxiety is responsible.

Can the cost of living affect skin health?

Potentially. Financial pressure can contribute to stress and can also affect diet, sleep, access to healthcare and the ability to purchase skincare or medicines. These factors may all influence how someone manages an existing skin condition.

What should I do if my skin keeps flaring up?

Try to identify possible triggers, follow any treatment plan you've been given and keep your skincare routine simple. If flare-ups are persistent, severe or changing, speak to your GP, pharmacist or another qualified healthcare professional.

Should I stop using skincare products when my skin flares?

Not necessarily. Some products can irritate already-sensitive skin, but stopping prescribed treatment without professional advice may make a condition worse. If you're unsure which products or treatments are appropriate, ask a healthcare professional for advice.

Can Financial Stress Make Your Skin Condition Worse?

The Link Between Stress and Your Skin

Stress is a normal response to challenging situations, but prolonged or intense stress can have an impact on the body in several ways – including the skin.

Research has increasingly highlighted a relationship between psychological stress and inflammatory skin conditions. Stress can influence the immune system and inflammatory processes, potentially making existing symptoms more difficult to manage.

This is particularly relevant during periods of financial uncertainty. Rising household bills, food prices, housing costs and healthcare expenses can all contribute to ongoing stress.

According to new research commissioned by skincare brand Hydromol, almost seven in 10 people surveyed said their stress levels had been affected by the cost-of-living crisis.

The survey of 1,000 people also found that more than a third reported that their dry skin symptoms had become worse, with stress and anxiety identified as the leading reported reason for flare-ups.

How Common Are Stress-Related Skin Flare-Ups?

The research found that:

69% of respondents said their stress levels had been affected by the cost-of-living crisis.
42% said stress or anxiety had contributed to more frequent skin flare-ups.
34% reported that their skin symptoms had worsened.
37% cited the rising cost of healthy food as a factor.
28% said the cost of prescriptions had affected them.

The effect also appeared to vary between groups. The survey reported that 85% of respondents in London said their stress had been affected by the cost-of-living crisis, compared with 82% of Gen Z and 80% of Millennials.

It is important to remember that this was a survey of people's experiences and perceptions. It does not prove that financial stress directly causes eczema, psoriasis or other skin conditions to flare.

Why Can Stress Trigger a Flare-Up?

The relationship between stress and inflammatory skin conditions is complex.

When we experience stress, the body releases hormones and activates systems involved in the stress response. Prolonged stress can influence immune and inflammatory activity, which may affect the skin's natural barrier and its ability to cope with irritation.

Stress can also indirectly affect skin health.

When life becomes particularly stressful, it can become harder to maintain regular routines. Sleep may suffer, diets can change and people may have less time or money available for skincare or medical appointments.

For someone with an existing condition, several of these factors occurring at the same time could make symptoms more difficult to control.

The Cost of Looking After Your Skin

The financial side of managing a chronic skin condition shouldn't be overlooked.

Prescription charges, appointments, skincare products and specialist treatments can all represent additional costs. At the same time, people experiencing financial pressure may find themselves prioritising essentials such as food, energy and housing.

The Hydromol research found that more than a quarter of respondents felt the cost of prescriptions had affected them, while more than a third cited the rising price of healthy food.

However, there are ways to manage your skin without feeling that you need an extensive or expensive routine.

What Can You Do If Stress Is Affecting Your Skin?

If you've noticed that your skin tends to flare during particularly stressful periods, keeping things simple can help.

Stick to the basics

Use products recommended for your skin type and condition, and avoid introducing lots of new products when your skin is already irritated.

Follow your treatment plan

If you have been diagnosed with eczema, psoriasis or another inflammatory skin condition, continue using prescribed treatments as advised by your healthcare professional.

Try to identify your triggers

Keeping a simple diary of your symptoms can help you spot patterns between flare-ups and factors such as stress, sleep, diet, weather or particular products.

Look after your overall wellbeing

Managing stress isn't always easy, particularly when the cause is financial. However, regular sleep, physical activity, time outdoors and talking to someone you trust can all support general wellbeing.

Speak to a professional if symptoms persist

If your skin is becoming increasingly uncomfortable, painful, infected or difficult to manage, speak to your GP, pharmacist or other appropriate healthcare professional.

Don't assume that every flare-up is caused by stress. Skin symptoms can have many different causes and may require professional assessment.

Is the Cost-of-Living Crisis Changing How We Think About Skin Health?

The research highlights an important issue: skin health doesn't exist in isolation.

Financial worries can affect stress levels, lifestyle choices and access to healthcare, while stress itself may influence existing skin conditions. For people already managing eczema, psoriasis or other chronic skin problems, these pressures can become interconnected.

As the cost of living continues to affect households, understanding the relationship between emotional wellbeing, lifestyle and skin health could become increasingly important.

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