Beating those winter blues could help you manage your eczema
February is Eczema Awareness Month
As the days get shorter and darker, it is not uncommon for people to experience the “winter blues”. For the thousands of eczema sufferers for whom emotional factors may trigger flare-ups, feeling down or stressed can make their eczema much worse. In fact, studies suggest that reducing stress and having a positive outlook are among the best strategies for managing this chronic skin disorder, which is characterized by rough, red and extremely dry skin.
This month, the Eczema Awareness, Support and Education (EASE®) Program will shed light on eczema—raising awareness and understanding for those Canadians who may be in the dark about coping with this common, life-altering condition that affects more than two million Canadians. Designated by the EASE Program in 2003, Eczema Awareness Month serves as an opportunity to focus national attention on eczema (also called atopic dermatitis).
“We hope to encourage Canadians to educate themselves about managing eczema,” says Dr. Ronald Vender, a Hamilton-based dermatologist and Director of Dermatrials Research. “While eczema can have a profound impact on individuals and families, people who have the information and support they need tend to feel less isolated and misunderstood.”
According to Dr. Vender, taking control of your emotional triggers may even help minimize or prevent flare-ups and promote overall well-being. Here’s how:
First, try to identify the source of your stress. While it is often a combination of factors, it is helpful to know what may be causing the stress (i.e. challenges at work, problems at home, etc.) in order to determine the best course of action to take.
If the stress is due to a short-term event or issue (i.e. preparing for a big presentation at work), it will probably dissipate on its own following the event. If it is an ongoing problem, talk to your doctor and try using the following stress-management techniques:
- Get enough sleep.
- Exercise regularly.
- Remove yourself from stressful situations (i.e. take a five-minute walk to clear your head, then return to the task at hand).
- Practice relaxation techniques (i.e. meditation, deep breathing or yoga).
- Talk to someone (a friend, relative, counsellor or other health care professional) or write in a journal.
- Have fun!
Above all, even when life gets hectic and stressful, it is extremely important to maintain your skincare and treatment routine! Ask your dermatologist if there are any specific programs that are available to help you use your medication properly. Learning to recognize and cope with these emotions through stress-management techniques, or by changing your daily routine, may help you reduce stress and ultimately reduce the frequency or severity of flare-ups.
For information and tips on how to manage eczema, look to credible and recognized resources that are easily accessible on the web. The EASE Program (www.eczemacanada.ca) is Canada’s most comprehensive eczema resource available on the web, and has been recognized with four Public Education Awards from the Canadian Dermatology Association. Parents and children can visit www.pennysworld.ca —a fun, child-friendly website that aims to help children understand eczema.
