Atopic dermatitis, the most common type of eczema, is widely known for causing rough, itchy, rash-like patches on the skin. However, a recent study has suggested that this chronic skin condition might also increase a person’s risk of developing disordered eating behaviors.
“The emotional toll of eczema is significant,” says Jeffrey Cohen, MD, a dermatologist and assistant professor at the Yale School of Medicine, who also directs the psoriasis treatment program there.
Dr. Cohen explains that the condition can severely impact mental health due to its unpredictable flare-ups, visibility to others, and the intense itchiness that disrupts sleep and daily routines at school or work.
This disruption can extend to personal relationships, making it harder to maintain friendships and intimate connections, which are crucial for emotional support and mental health stability.
While atopic dermatitis has been long associated with mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, its connection to eating disorders is less explored.
Study Finds Atopic Dermatitis Doubles Risk of Anorexia and Bulimia
The new study, however, has brought this potential link to light by examining data from a large population sample. Researchers analyzed information from approximately 12,600 individuals with atopic dermatitis and 254,000 individuals without the condition.
The findings, published in the British Journal of Dermatology, revealed that those with atopic dermatitis were more than twice as likely to develop anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa compared to those without the skin condition. Anorexia nervosa is characterized by extreme food restriction, while bulimia nervosa involves episodes of binge eating followed by purging.
Furthermore, the study discovered that people with atopic dermatitis were over three times more likely to suffer from binge eating disorder, which is marked by consuming large amounts of food without subsequent purging.
The majority of those with atopic dermatitis who also had an eating disorder were found to suffer from mood disorders like anxiety or depression, suggesting a complex interplay between these conditions.
Understanding the Link Between Atopic Dermatitis and Eating Disorders
The study wasn’t designed to definitely prove causation – whether atopic dermatitis directly leads to eating disorders or vice versa remains unclear.
Bruce Brod, MD, a clinical professor of dermatology and the director of the occupational and contact dermatitis clinic at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine in Philadelphia says, “There is a complex interplay at work with atopic dermatitis and we need more information.”
“The potential connection is not surprising, as atopic dermatitis has been associated with other comorbidities, such as depression, anxiety, obesity, and elevated lipids. The question is: What came first, the chicken or the egg?” says Dr. Brod, who wasn’t involved in the new study.
Improving Mental Health Through Atopic Dermatitis Treatment
Despite the uncertainty about the exact nature of the relationship between atopic dermatitis and eating disorders, the study’s findings provide some hope. Managing atopic dermatitis effectively might help reduce the mental health symptoms that contribute to problematic eating behaviors.
“I have seen the physical and mental toll atopic dermatitis has on my own patients, as well as the improvement in mental well-being when my patients achieve improvement of their disease,” Dr. Brod notes.
Nevertheless, it is too early to definitively say whether managing atopic dermatitis can prevent or treat eating disorders in individuals who suffer from both conditions. Dr. Cohen stresses the need for further research to understand this potential relationship.
Cohen says, “Controlling eczema with effective treatment can certainly improve mental health. However, much more work needs to be done to understand whether treatment of eczema can prevent subsequent mood or eating disorders.”
This study underscores the importance of considering the broader implications of chronic conditions like atopic dermatitis on overall health, particularly mental health. By highlighting the possible connections between skin conditions and eating disorders, it opens the door to more comprehensive approaches in treating patients, aiming not just for physical but also mental and emotional well-being.
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