Experts link eczema to depression, low self-esteem

Experts in mental and skin health have expressed concern over the growing number of Nigerians suffering from mental health illnesses and depression due to long-term skin ailments like vitiligo, eczema, psoriasis, and acne.

The experts claim that for far too long, the psychological costs of having visible and sometimes stigmatized skin conditions have been underappreciated, particularly for young adults and adolescents.

The specialists emphasized that because skin disorders are visible, those who have them are frequently subjected to social isolation, low self-esteem, stigma, and, in extreme situations, suicidal thoughts and sadness.

Infections and infestations are the most common types of skin illnesses in Nigeria, especially in youngsters, making them a serious health problem.

According to data from the World Health Organization, skin illnesses account for a percentage of deaths in Nigeria, which ranks 90th in the world in terms of age-adjusted death rates.

Additionally, research in Nigeria constantly shows eczema and infections/infestations as the most common types of skin illnesses, with eczema making up 26.5% of diagnoses at a dermatology clinic, according to a report published in the Nigerian Journal of Dermatology.

According to health professionals, people with chronic dermatological illnesses are 60% more likely than those without to have signs of anxiety or depression. This is because more Nigerians, particularly women, are experiencing one form of skin disease or another.

Dr. Moses Adeolu, a psychiatrist at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital in Aro, Abeokuta, Ogun State, stated that individuals with eczema and other long-term skin disorders are more likely to anxiety, low self-esteem, and clinical depression.

He explained, “These skin diseases are not just physical. They affect the way people see themselves and how society perceives them. Eczema, for instance, causes severe itching, discomfort, and disfigurement that can lead to social withdrawal and long-term emotional distress.”

Adeolu noted that the impact is particularly severe in a society like Nigeria, where skin diseases are often misunderstood, mocked, or attributed to poor hygiene and spiritual causes.

The psychiatrist stressed that the link between skin health and mental health must be treated as a public health concern.

The mental health physician called for a multidisciplinary approach in managing dermatological cases, urging hospitals to integrate mental health screenings into dermatology clinics.

“The mental health burden is real. Skin diseases are visible, and in our culture, where physical appearance is heavily judged, the psychological scars often cut deeper than the physical ones,” he added.

The physician called on the Federal Government to launch a nationwide awareness campaign to destigmatise skin conditions and educate the public on their psychological implications.

“We need to start seeing eczema, acne, and other skin disorders not just as cosmetic issues but as serious health challenges that can ruin lives mentally and emotionally if left unaddressed,” he said.

Additionally, he cautioned that stigmatization from close quarters frequently exacerbates the condition of those impacted and recommended families and schools to provide emotional support.

Dr. Edesiri Ighorodje, a consultant dermatologist, also cautioned that a quiet but expanding mental health crisis in Nigeria is being fueled by chronic skin problems, with many afflicted people struggling with anxiety, sadness, and even suicidal thoughts.

"The visible character of skin disorders, coupled with widespread public misunderstanding and stigma, continues to destroy the self-esteem and mental well-being of many Nigerians," said Ighorodje, a dermatologist and venereologist at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital in Akwa Ibom State.

"Skin problems, regardless of their severity, can have a substantial impact on a person's self-esteem and overall quality of life due to their visible nature," she continued.

"How others perceive and react to us is just as important as how we perceive ourselves."

According to the skin specialist, many Nigerians who suffer from vitiligo, psoriasis, acne, eczema, and other chronic skin disorders face social rejection, humiliation, and even mockery—experiences that can have a catastrophic psychological impact.

"There are a lot of false beliefs regarding skin conditions. They are mistakenly linked to infections, bad hygiene, and curses. In many situations, the stigma that results leads to mental breakdown and social isolation, according to Ighorodje.

She claims that the emotional toll of inherited or incurable illnesses and the financial strain of long-term therapy exacerbate the upsetting physical symptoms, which include persistent itching, discomfort, and ugliness.

This anguish can eventually turn into anxiety, sadness, and, in some cases, suicidal ideation,” she warned.

Ighorodje highlighted the psychological burden faced by patients with skin conditions that lack a definitive cure, such as vitiligo and albinism.

She cautioned that when these conditions are left unmanaged, they may even lead to complications like skin cancer, further worsening the patient’s quality of life.

The dermatologist emphasised the need for early and expert intervention.

“No two skin conditions are the same. Self-medication and taking skincare advice from social media influencers or untrained individuals is dangerous. The most important step is to see a qualified dermatologist early,” she advised.

She also criticised the growing trend of social media-driven skincare routines and unverified product recommendations, noting that many worsen skin conditions rather than heal them.

“There’s a dangerous flood of misinformation online. Many people fall for viral skincare trends that are not evidence-based. Your skin is unique and deserves professional care, not crowd-sourced solutions,” Ighorodje added.

She called on Nigerians living with chronic skin conditions not to suffer in silence but to seek strength in numbers by joining patient support groups, either in person or online.

She noted, “These support groups offer emotional comfort, shared knowledge, and a sense of belonging. They help people realise they’re not alone, which is critical in preventing mental breakdown.”