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Effects of Stress on Physical Health - Eczema

CISCE: Class 12

Meaning

Eczema is a superficial skin inflammation characterised by redness, itching, small pimples, and crust formation (Coleman, 1981).
It is visible on the surface of the skin but connected to deeper physical and emotional processes.
It serves as a good example of how a physical condition can be linked with psychological factors.

CISCE: Class 12

The skin has many blood vessels and nerves, so it reacts quickly to emotions.
Feelings like anger, fear, or excitement can show on the skin as flushing, going pale or rashes.
Because of this, the skin is described as a sensitive indicator of inner emotional states.

CISCE: Class 12

A psychosomatic disorder is a physical illness influenced by psychological factors such as stress and emotional conflict.
In eczema, emotional tension and stress can trigger or worsen skin inflammation and itching.
Therefore, eczema is considered a classic psychosomatic skin disorder, showing the close mind–body connection.

CISCE: Class 12

Eczema patients in Brown’s study often suppressed their emotions instead of expressing them.
They described themselves as feeling frustrated and unable to change their situation.
Many had serious marital problems, such as separation or divorce, indicating high ongoing stress.
Eczema symptoms linked to stress tended to improve when the stressful situation was reduced or removed.

CISCE: Class 12

Shelley and Edson stated that eczema may not take a person’s life, but it can take the enjoyment out of it.
Continuous itching, discomfort and visible skin lesions disturb daily functioning and social life.
The person may feel embarrassed, tense or unhappy, showing that eczema strongly affects quality of life.

CISCE: Class 12

Eczema: superficial inflammatory skin disorder with redness, itching, pimples and crusts (Coleman, 1981).
Skin reflects emotions because of its rich nerve and blood supply.
Eczema is psychosomatic: emotional stress can trigger or worsen symptoms.
Brown (1972) found high emotional suppression and marital stress among eczema patients, with symptoms improving when stress was reduced.
Shelley & Edson (1973) emphasised that eczema seriously reduces enjoyment and quality of life.