"Fight-or-Flight" Mode and Eczema

Most of us know that there is a link between stress and eczema. This is not exactly a new idea. But Western medicine tends to disregard the link. And I feel the component is important to consider when it comes to any chronic health condition. It deserves more attention, in my opinion.

I feel like I have been living in fight-or-flight mode most of my life. It wasn't until I started addressing this that I was able to deal with my skin flare-ups better.

What is "fight-or-flight" mode?

When we find ourselves in high-stress situations, our bodies enter fight-or-flight mode. What follows is an increase in cortisol levels. This surge in stress hormones can wreak havoc on our emotional, mental, and physical well-being. It can even cause an inflammatory response in our body. Of course, this can manifest as a rash or skin flare-up (which for most of us, myself included, it does).¹

What happens if we're constantly stressed?

Living in a constant fight-or-flight or “survival mode” state takes a toll on our bodies. It depletes energy and nutrients that are necessary for the healing process. One survey found that 30 percent of people with atopic dermatitis also had a diagnosis of depression or anxiety. Those of us with atopic dermatitis are much more susceptible to being affected by stress in general.¹

Scientists have found a link between mental health and skin conditions. Briefly, our skin communicates with our brain through sensations such as itching, pain, and discomfort.²

What can we do about it?

In order to take care of our physical health, we must also take care of our mental health. After all, our body operates as an entire (holistic) system. Addressing physical health alone is not enough. Mental health is integral to our overall wellness. Strategies to help with our mental health include:

• Meditation and mindfulness – Cultivating mindfulness through meditation practices
• Exercise – Regular physical activity (such as running, biking, hiking, yoga) to alleviate stress
• Nature walks – Taking walks and spending time in nature in general
• Journaling – Expressing our thoughts, emotions, and what is going on inside us through writing (one of my favorites, if it wasn't obvious!)
• EFT or tapping – Using the "emotional freedom technique" for stress relief and regulation
• Hypnotherapy – Addressing subconscious patterns and cycles that may keep us in a state of stress
• Cognitive or dialectical behavior therapies (CBT or DBT) – Therapy tailored for each person's needs (I have only done CBT, but I continue to do it regularly, as I find it is an important part of my health and well-being.)
• Energy healing – Exploring alternative methods to restore the energetic balance of our body

How can you find what works for you?

It is important to stay on top of and treat our mental health, just as we do our physical health. This means finding what works for you. For me, it is a combination of some of the strategies I listed.

The mind-body connection is a vital part of healing and not to be undervalued on our healing journey. Recognizing and managing triggers, both physical and psychological, is so important. This has been a huge part of my own journey with my skin and eczema.

While these practices may not offer a complete cure for eczema, they can significantly reduce the intensity of flare-ups. They also give us coping skills for when we do have flare-ups. For me, these practices have been so important in learning how to cope with my skin and eczema flare-ups, along with just stress in life in general. (Which we all experience, one way or another.)

How have I treated my eczema holistically?

I believe understanding and addressing the stress-eczema and mind-body connection is one of the most important things for our well-being. In my experience, integrating our mental, emotional, and spiritual health with the physical can lead to much more balance in managing eczema and other chronic health conditions.