Eczema Tied to Depression and Low Self-Esteem, Study Reveals

Health professionals specializing in mental well-being and dermatology have expressed worries about the increasing prevalence of depression and psychological issues among Nigerians due to long-term skin problems like eczema, psoriasis, acne, and vitiligo.

As per experts, the mental impact of dealing with noticeable and frequently discriminated-against skin conditions has remained overlooked for far too long, particularly within teenagers and young people.

Speaking exclusively with PUNCH Healthwise Experts emphasized that the noticeable aspect of skin issues frequently leads to stigmatization, diminished self-worth, loneliness, and, in extreme situations, depression and feelings of suicide.

Skin-related conditions pose a major public health challenge in Nigeria, where infections and parasitic infestations are the most common types, especially in young individuals.

According to data from the World Health Organization, skin conditions play a role in a share of overall fatalities in Nigeria, placing the nation at 90th position worldwide when considering age-standardized mortality rates.

Additionally, a study featured in the Nigerian Journal of Dermatology showed that research conducted in Nigeria repeatedly points to eczema and infections/parasitic infestations as the top types of skin conditions, with eczema making up 26.5 percent of cases seen at a dermatology clinic.

With a growing number of Nigerians, particularly women, experiencing various skin issues, health professionals have observed that people dealing with long-term skin conditions are 60 percent more prone to exhibit signs of depression or anxiety than those who do not.

A psychiatrist from the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital in Aro, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Dr. Moses Adeolu, stated that individuals suffering from eczema and similar long-term skin disorders are more likely to experience anxiety, poor self-image, and major depressive disorder.

He stated, "These dermatological conditions go beyond the body. They influence individuals' self-image and societal views of them. For example, eczema leads to intense scratching, pain, and changes in appearance, which may result in isolation and prolonged psychological suffering."

Adeolu pointed out that the effect is especially harsh in a country such as Nigeria, where skin conditions are frequently misinterpreted, ridiculed, or linked to bad cleanliness and supernatural reasons.

A psychologist emphasized that the connection between skin condition and psychological well-being should be considered a matter of public health importance.

A psychiatrist advocated for a team-based strategy in treating skin conditions, encouraging medical facilities to include psychological assessments within dermatology departments.

"The emotional toll is genuine. Skin conditions are noticeable, and in our society, where looks carry significant weight, the mental impact frequently exceeds the physical damage," he remarked.

The doctor urged the federal government to initiate a country-wide information initiative aimed at reducing the stigma surrounding skin disorders and informing people about their mental health effects.

"We must begin to view eczema, acne, and other skin conditions not merely as aesthetic concerns but as significant medical problems that can deeply affect mental and emotional well-being when ignored," he stated.

He further called upon families and educational institutions to provide psychological assistance to those impacted, cautioning that discrimination encountered within intimate circles frequently exacerbates their situation.

Additionally, a consulting dermatologist, Dr. Edesiri Ighorodje, cautioned that long-term skin issues are contributing to an unnoticed yet increasing mental health problem in Nigeria, as numerous people struggle with depression, anxiety, and, in some cases, suicidal feelings.

Dr. Ighorodje, a dermatologist and venereologist working at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital in Akwa Ibom State, mentioned that the noticeable aspect of skin conditions, along with common lack of awareness and social prejudice, keeps undermining the confidence and psychological health of numerous people in Nigeria.

She stated, "Because skin issues are easily noticeable, regardless of how serious they are, they can greatly affect an individual's confidence and general well-being."

It's not only regarding our self-perception, but also about how others perceive and react to us.

A dermatology specialist stated that numerous Nigerians suffering from eczema, vitiligo, psoriasis, acne, and various long-term skin issues face teasing, humiliation, and sometimes exclusion from society—situations that can have severe psychological effects.

"There are numerous misunderstandings regarding skin conditions. Individuals often incorrectly link them to bad cleanliness, supernatural forces, or contagion. This leads to discrimination, causing loneliness and psychological distress for many," Ighorodje stated.

As she explained, the troubling bodily symptoms—like ongoing itchiness, discomfort, and appearance changes—are made worse by the monetary strain of extended medical care and the psychological impact of genetic or untreatable illnesses.

"Eventually, this discomfort may develop into depression, anxiety, and, in certain instances, thoughts of suicide," she cautioned.

Ighorodje emphasized the mental stress experienced by individuals suffering from skin disorders without a known cure, including vitiligo and albinism.

She warned that if these issues remain untreated, they could potentially result in complications such as skin cancer, which would significantly deteriorate the patient's well-being.

A skin specialist highlighted the importance of timely and professional treatment.

"Each individual’s skin condition is unique. Using self-treatment and following beauty tips from social media personalities or those without proper training can be risky. The key is to consult an experienced dermatologist as soon as possible," she recommended.

She additionally condemned the rising popularity of social media-influenced skincare regimens and unreliable product suggestions, pointing out that numerous such approaches aggravate skin issues instead of resolving them.

"There is a harmful surge of false information available online. Numerous individuals get caught up in popular beauty treatments that lack scientific support. Your skin is distinct and requires expert attention, rather than advice from the general public," Ighorodje said.

She urged Nigerians who have long-term skin issues to stop enduring their challenges alone and instead find power through unity by becoming part of patient assistance groups, whether face-to-face or virtual.

She mentioned, "These group sessions provide emotional support, exchange of information, and a feeling of community. They assist individuals in understanding that they are not isolated, which is essential in avoiding psychological collapse."

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