Managing Atopic Dermatitis During Life Changes
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From College to New Careers: Managing Atopic Dermatitis During Young Adulthood

Tackling Life’s Big Moments as a Twentysomething With Atopic Dermatitis

The jump to young adulthood is an exciting time, but the stress of major life transitions can also wreak havoc on your skin.
Tackling Life’s Big Moments as a Twentysomething With Atopic Dermatitis

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Online vs. IRL: How Social Media Impacts Young People With Atopic Dermatitis

Online vs. IRL: How Social Media Impacts Young People With Atopic Dermatitis00:05:41
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Published on May 7, 2025
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Moving out on your own, starting a new job, meeting new people: Young adulthood is an exciting time full of life changes that also bring a newfound sense of independence, self-discovery, and personal growth.

But major changes can also be majorly stressful, which can put many people with atopic dermatitis, a type of eczema, at risk for a flare.

 So it’s important to stay ahead of it.

Life Changes Can Trigger Atopic Dermatitis Flares

Maybe your new dorm room is a haven for dust mites or you moved north for a new job, where the cold weather causes your skin to dry out. No matter the change, it can bring on a flare of atopic dermatitis symptoms.


Unfortunately, new flare-ups can also stress you out, leading to more flares, because stress is a common cause of flare-ups and makes atopic dermatitis symptoms worse. This can create an ongoing cycle that’s hard to break.

“It’s helpful for young adults to realize that when you have major stressors or major changes in your life, the disease may change,” says Walter Liszewski, MD, a dermatologist at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago. “It can be very unpredictable.”

One thing you can do? Expect the unexpected. Talk to your doctor about how your eczema may change as you enter adulthood, and make a plan to address it.

Atopic Dermatitis Can Affect Your Social Life and Dating

When you’re a young adult, having a visible skin disease such as atopic dermatitis can take a toll on your social life.

“Some people with atopic dermatitis may be afraid to go out in public,” says Dr. Liszewski. “They may be afraid to date or make connections with people, because they’re afraid they’re going to be judged about their skin or they’re embarrassed that they have to scratch their skin in public.”

Sound familiar? You’re not alone.

For some, the emotional toll of managing a visible skin disease can go even further. “People with more severe forms of eczema are also more likely to face mental health challenges,” says Liszewski. “They may feel embarrassed or scared or even sad about their skin.”

In fact, research shows that living with eczema can lead to anxiety and depression.

“This adds another layer of complexity to managing atopic dermatitis,” Liszewski emphasizes.

The good news: Research shows that getting proper treatment and sticking with it helps improve skin symptoms, as well as related anxiety and depression.

They may feel embarrassed or scared or even sad about their skin.
— Walter Liszewski, MD

You’ve Got This: Own Your Atopic Dermatitis Treatment

Although it’s possible to develop eczema as an adult, about 80 percent of people living with the condition have been dealing with it since early childhood — often since age 6.

 As a result, many young adults with atopic dermatitis have had help from their parents when it comes to managing the condition, such as scheduling checkups, picking up prescriptions, filling out paperwork, and advocating for their health. So branching out on your own might feel overwhelming.

Research shows that young adults who’ve had atopic dermatitis since they were children are often hesitant to take over their care.

 The reality of managing it all on your own can be daunting, especially if you’re switching to your own health insurance plan or budgeting to cover the cost of treatment (and rent) without help from your family.

6 Ways to Take Charge of Atopic Dermatitis

  1. Identify your personal eczema triggers. Keep track of any new allergens that might be causing an increase in symptoms — everything from a difference in temperature to a change in personal care products.
  2. Start an eczema-friendly skin-care routine. Take short, lukewarm showers or baths. Use a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser. Pat (don’t rub) skin dry. And apply moisturizer liberally. 
  3. Schedule regular checkups. Talk to your dermatologist about how often you should come in for a routine appointment and when to reach out if you’re having new or worsening symptoms. 
  4. Follow your prescribed treatment plan. Sure, it can be time consuming to moisturize your skin and apply topical medication or remember to take a pill. But sticking with a routine is the best way to keep symptoms under control. If you’re having trouble keeping up with your regimen, talk to your doctor about whether there are other treatment options available to you. You can also ask them how to set up automatic refills for your prescriptions, if possible, to make it easy to stay the course.
  5. Practice self-care. That means exercising regularly, staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet (one that’s free of food triggers), prioritizing sleep, and practicing mindfulness to keep your stress levels low and symptoms at bay.
  6. Join a support group. Connecting (either in person or online) with others who understand exactly what you’re going through can help you stay up to date on the latest research, advice, and skin-care recommendations for managing atopic dermatitis.
EDITORIAL SOURCES
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Resources
  1. Allergies — Eczema. Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. August 2024.
  2. Managing Stress From Eczema. National Eczema Association.
  3. Stress and Eczema. National Eczema Society.
  4. Tanoko M. To Flake or Not to Flake: How to Cope When Eczema Threatens Your Plans. National Eczema Association. December 4, 2023.
  5. Vinh NM et al. The Anxiety and Depression Disorder in Adults With Atopic Dermatitis: Experience of a Dermatology Hospital. Dermatology Reports. June 3, 2023.
  6. Hartono SP et al. Interventions for Anxiety and Depression in Patients With Atopic Dermatitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Scientific Reports. April 17, 2024.
  7. Eczema Stats. National Eczema Association.
  8. Lundin S et al. Young Adults’ Perceptions of Living With Atopic Dermatitis in Relation to the Concept of Self-Management: A Qualitative Study. BMJ Open. June 2021.
Additional Sources
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Jacquelyn Dosal

Jacquelyn Dosal, MD

Medical Reviewer
Castle Connolly Top Doctor

Jacquelyn Dosal, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist practicing at The Dermatology House in Park City, Utah. Her areas of expertise include acne, rosacea, integrative treatments of inflammatory skin diseases, as well as laser treatment of the skin and injectables.

Dr. Dosal writes cosmetic questions for the certifying exams for the American Board of Dermatology. She is also the deputy editor for the American Academy of Dermatology's podcast, Dialogues in Dermatology.

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Kerry Weiss

Author
Kerry Weiss is a New York–based freelance writer, editor, and content strategist specializing in health and wellness. She has contributed to a variety of online publications, including Healthline, WebMD, Sharecare, Twill Care, and What to Expect.
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