Atopic Eczema and Suicidal Thoughts: New Findings from EADV Congress 2025

Mental Health Implications of Atopic Eczema: Insights from EADV Congress 2025

The EADV Congress 2025 has unveiled critical findings about the mental health effects of atopic eczema, highlighting an alarming link between this chronic skin condition and suicidal ideation among adults. This new international research, referred to as the 'Scars of Life' study, was conducted in 2024 with data collected from 30,801 adults across 27 countries. The study involved 15,223 individuals with physician-verified atopic eczema (AE) and a control group of 7,968 adults without the condition.

Study Overview

Participants in the study were categorized based on the age at which they first experienced symptoms of AE—childhood, adolescence, or adulthood—and were asked to complete a comprehensive online survey. This survey captured vital demographic details, self-reported experiences of suicidal thoughts, the severity of skin-related symptoms, and perceived stigma due to their condition.

The results indicated a concerning trend: 13.2% of adults with atopic eczema reported experiencing suicidal thoughts, a significant contrast to 8.5% among those without the condition. Notably, this risk was consistently elevated across all age groups of AE onset, underscoring the pervasive nature of the issue.

The Scope of Atopic Eczema

Atopic eczema is a prevalent chronic inflammatory skin disorder, affecting over 200 million people worldwide. Characterized by recurrent episodes of itchy, dry, and inflamed skin, its physical symptoms are only part of the struggle for many patients. Increasingly, the mental health repercussions are being recognized, with many individuals living with AE experiencing anxiety, depression, and social stigma, in addition to the day-to-day challenges of managing their fluctuating symptoms.

The new findings spotlight various factors that correlate strongly with suicidal ideation among adults suffering from AE. Notably, younger individuals—especially those under 30 years of age—exhibit a heightened tendency toward suicidal thoughts (OR=1.6). Additionally, the study found that obesity was another significant risk factor, increasing the likelihood of suicidal ideation among those with AE (OR=1.29).

Symptoms and Psychosocial Factors

The clinical features of atopic eczema also played a crucial role in mental health outcomes. The research revealed that individuals with moderate to severe AE had twice the odds of reporting suicidal thoughts compared to their counterparts with milder forms of the condition (OR=2.01). The presence of pruritus (itching), skin pain, and overall symptom severity were all linked with increased risks of suicidal ideation.

Moreover, psychosocial factors revealed additional dimensions to the problem. Adults expressing suicidal thoughts reported elevated levels of social stigma and often struggled with sleep disorders. A particular type of sleep disturbance known as mixed insomnia, characterized by difficulty both falling asleep and maintaining sleep, was notably connected to suicidal ideation (OR=1.78).

Expert Insights

Dr. Delphine Kerob, a lead researcher in the study, emphasized the profound implications of these findings, stating, "The results of our research indicate that the effects of atopic eczema extend beyond physical symptoms, impacting mental health significantly. Suicidal thoughts are not only serious but frequently overlooked in clinical settings."

Dr. Kerob also expressed hope that by identifying the key risk factors associated with suicidal ideation in individuals with AE, healthcare professionals will be better equipped to recognize and address these challenges. This can lead to improved strategies in supporting the overall well-being of patients.

Conclusion

The findings presented at the EADV Congress 2025 serve as a clarion call for greater awareness of the mental health challenges faced by those living with atopic eczema. With a substantial portion of the affected population facing suicidal thoughts, it is crucial for healthcare systems and mental health providers alike to acknowledge and incorporate comprehensive care strategies that address both the physical and psychological aspects of this condition.