Adults with atopic eczema are significantly more likely to experience suicidal thoughts than those without the skin condition, a major cross-sectional observational study has found.
Findings from the international ‘Scars of Life’ study, which aims to create a comprehensive international database to evaluate the psychosocial burden of atopic eczema, were exclusively presented at the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) Congress 2025.
Atopic eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that affects more than 200 million people worldwide. The condition is characterised by recurring episodes of dry, itchy and inflamed skin.
Beyond the physical symptoms associated with atopic eczema, its impact on mental health is increasingly being recognised. Many patients experience anxiety, depression, and social stigma, along with the daily challenges of managing this condition.
The research was led by La Roche-Posay Laboratoire Dermatologique in collaboration with international experts in atopic dermatitis and multiple patient organisations.
A total of 30,801 adults across 27 countries and five continents were surveyed between June and September 2024. Of these, 15,223 were adults with physician-confirmed current atopic eczema, and 7,968 were adults without atopic eczema who served as controls.
Widespread mental health burden
Study participants were divided into subgroups based on their age at atopic eczema onset: childhood, adolescence or adulthood. They were asked to complete a detailed online questionnaire capturing sociodemographic information, self-reported suicidal ideation, severity of itch and skin pain, atopic eczema severity, plus their experiences of skin-related stigmatisation.
A total of 13.2% of adults with eczema reported experiencing suicidal ideation, compared with 8.5% of adults without the condition. All atopic eczema subgroups had higher odds of suicidal ideation than controls, highlighting the widespread mental health burden of the condition.
Factors that were strongly associated with suicidal ideation in adults with atopic eczema included age and weight. Younger adults, particularly those under the age of 30, were more likely to report suicidal thoughts (OR=1.6), as were patients with obesity (OR=1.29).
Clinical features also played a major role as moderate-to-severe atopic eczema doubled the odds of suicidal ideation (OR=2.01). Pruritus, skin pain and high overall symptom intensity were also significantly associated with increased risk of suicidal ideation.
In addition, the study found psychosocial and sleep factors also contributed to risk. Adults with suicidal ideation reported higher levels of stigmatisation and more prevalent sleep disorders, with mixed insomnia – difficulty falling and staying asleep – notably linked to suicidal ideation (OR=1.78).
‘Effects of atopic eczema are more than skin deep’
Lead researcher Dr Delphine Kerob, consultant dermatologist at Saint-Louis Hospital in Paris and scientific director of La Roche-Posay Laboratoire Dermatologique, said: ‘The results highlight that the effects of atopic eczema are more than skin deep, with suicidal thoughts representing a serious and frequent concern that is often overlooked by healthcare professionals.
‘By identifying the main risk factors behind suicidal ideation in this population, we hope this study will help healthcare professionals better recognise and address these challenges, supporting patients’ overall wellbeing more effectively.’
The researchers will next look into why suicidal ideation occurs at different rates across countries, as this may reflect important cultural differences and the need for different approaches to patient care.
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