New EADV 2025 Study Reveals Alarming Link Between Atopic Eczema and Suicidal Thoughts

EADV 2025 Study Reveals a Link Between Atopic Eczema and Suicidal Thoughts

A significant international study has made headlines at the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) Congress 2025, shedding light on the increased mental health risks faced by adults suffering from atopic eczema. This groundbreaking research, titled "Cicatrices de la Vida," surveyed over 30,000 individuals across 27 countries in 2024, examining the troubling correlation between the inflammatory skin condition and suicidal ideation.

Overview of the Study

The study comprised 30,801 adults, out of which 15,223 had a current diagnosis of atopic eczema confirmed by a medical professional. The remaining participants, 7,968 adults, were used as a control group for comparison. Participants with atopic eczema were categorized based on the age at which their condition manifested—childhood, adolescence, or adulthood—allowing researchers to gather detailed data through an online questionnaire that included demographics, self-reported suicidal thoughts, severity of skin pain and itchiness, the seriousness of eczema symptoms, and experiences related to skin stigmatization.

Key Findings

The results are alarming: 13.2% of adults diagnosed with atopic eczema reported experiencing suicidal thoughts, compared to 8.5% among the control group without eczema. Significantly, every subgroup within the eczema category, regardless of whether the condition developed in childhood, adolescence, or adulthood, demonstrated a heightened likelihood of suicidal ideation compared to their peers without the skin condition.

Atopic eczema, which affects more than 200 million people globally, is characterized by recurrent episodes of dry, itchy skin, leading to inflammation. While the physical symptoms are well-documented, the mental health implications are increasingly coming to light. Many individuals dealing with eczema also experience anxiety, depression, and social stigmatization, compounded by the everyday challenges of managing this chronic condition.

Factors Contributing to Suicidal Thoughts

The study identified multiple strong associations with suicidal thoughts in these individuals with eczema. Young adults, particularly those under 30 years of age, exhibited a significantly higher incidence of reporting suicidal thoughts (OR = 1.6). Those with obesity were also found to be at increased risk (OR = 1.29).

Clinical severity plays a crucial role as well; participants suffering from moderate to severe eczema had their risk of suicidal thoughts doubled (OR = 2.01). Physical symptoms like itching, pain, and overall high symptom intensity were directly linked to increased risk as well.

Furthermore, psychosocial and sleep-related factors significantly contributed to the likelihood of experiencing suicidal thoughts. Adults reporting such ideation noted higher levels of stigmatization and a greater prevalence of sleep disorders. Mixed insomnia, characterized by difficulties in both falling asleep and staying asleep, was especially linked to suicidal ideation (OR = 1.78).

Expert Commentary

Dr. Delphine Kerob, a leading researcher on the study, emphasized the shocking implications of these findings. "The results highlight that the effects of atopic eczema extend beyond physical symptoms. Suicidal thoughts represent a serious and common concern that healthcare professionals often overlook." Dr. Kerob further added, "By identifying the main risk factors underlying suicidal thoughts in this population, we hope to assist healthcare professionals in better recognizing and addressing these challenges, thus contributing to the overall well-being of patients more effectively.”

Conclusion

The findings from the EADV Congress 2025 study bring critical awareness to the complex interplay between chronic skin conditions like atopic eczema and mental health challenges. As mental health continues to gain more recognition in the context of chronic diseases, this study underscores the need for a more integrated approach to healthcare—one that encompasses both physical and psychological dimensions for the well-being of patients with atopic eczema.