So, can a lack of sleep cause itchy skin and eczema? It sure can. Those of us living with eczema will know that this can lead to a vicious cycle - sleep deprivation causes higher stress levels, leading to eczema flare-ups, which make sleep practically impossible and so on. Eczema and sleep seem inextricably linked.
Inadequate sleep raises your cortisol levels. This hormone triggers inflammation, which breaks down the proteins that keep your skin smooth and glowing. Inflammation can also make your skin more prone to acne and more sensitive to allergic reactions.
The immune system takes a big hit when the body is deprived of regenerating sleep, and Breus says this is a common cause of rashes and other skin-related problems.
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is one of the most common chronic inflammatory skin conditions and is commonly associated with sleep disturbances.
environmental factors or allergens – such as cold and dry weather, dampness, and more specific things such as house dust mites, pet fur, pollen and moulds. food allergies – such as allergies to cows' milk, eggs, peanuts, soya or wheat. certain materials worn next to the skin – such as wool and synthetic fabrics.
Your genes: You're more likely to have eczema if there's a history of eczema or dermatitis in your family. You're also at a higher risk if there's a history of asthma, hay fever and/or allergies. Common allergies include pollen, pet hair or foods that trigger an allergic reaction.
Lack of sleep affects eczema by hindering how well the skin barrier and the immune system works. Chemical processes that increase inflammation, sensitivity and pain are also influenced by sleep deficiency.
Sleep deficiency is linked to many chronic health problems, including heart disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke, obesity, and depression. Sleep deficiency is also linked to a higher chance of injury in adults, teens, and children.
Skin makes new collagen when you sleep, which prevents sagging. “That's part of the repair process,” says Patricia Wexler, MD, a dermatologist in New York. More collagen means skin is plumper and less likely to wrinkle. Only getting 5 hours a night can lead to twice as many fine lines as sleeping 7 would.
A (cruel) cycle of sleep deprivation and itchiness may follow, since an out-of-whack sleep cycle can dysregulate the hormones necessary to keep nocturnal pruritus in check, resulting in a cascade effect that ultimately triggers — you guessed it — itchy skin at night only.
Lack of sleep can cause stress and worsen eczema symptoms, especially if sleeplessness occurs the night before an important activity or tiredness interferes with important activities during the day.
A nonprescription cream containing at least 1% hydrocortisone can temporarily relieve the itch. Apply it no more than twice a day to the affected area before moisturizing. Once your reaction has improved, you may use this type of cream less often to prevent flares. Take an oral allergy or anti-itch medication.
“Personal care products are definitely a major trigger for patients with eczema,” says Silverberg. That's because fragrances, preservatives, surfactants, and other ingredients in these and other items, such as laundry detergents, can trigger itching and irritation that can make flares worse.
An ongoing lack of sleep has been closely associated with hypertension, heart attacks and strokes, obesity, diabetes, depression and anxiety, decreased brain function, memory loss, weakened immune system, lower fertility rates and psychiatric disorders.
While most adults need between seven and nine hours of sleep, some adults average five or fewer hours of sleep each night. While it may seem like enough sleep, regularly getting only five hours of sleep each night may lead to sleep deprivation.
Eczema tends to reach a peak of intensity between the ages of two and four years old, although in a few cases symptoms will continue into the teen years and beyond. During this time, it most commonly affects the skin inside the elbows and behind the knees. These areas are known as flexural areas.
Atopic eczema causes areas of skin to become itchy, dry, cracked and sore. There are usually periods where the symptoms improve, followed by periods where they get worse (flare-ups). Flare-ups may occur as often as 2 or 3 times a month.
Anti-inflammatory diet for eczema
Anti-inflammatory diets limit dairy, whole grains, red meat, flour and sugar, but emphasize vegetables and fish. In fact, going vegan (or keeping nearly a fully plant-based diet) is also a good route to take.
Certain foods, including nuts, milk, and wheat, can trigger the release of inflammation-causing T cells and immunoglobulin-E. Other foods that commonly cause eczema flare ups include eggs, dairy, soy, citrus, tomatoes, gluten, and even some spices such as cloves, cinnamon, and vanilla.
Eczema does not yet have a cure, but people can often manage their symptoms with home remedies, including natural gels and oils, therapeutic baths, and dietary changes. If eczema is severe or does not respond to home treatments, a person may want to consult a doctor.