During her pregnancy with her second child, alongside musician Kevin Jonas of the renowned Jonas Brothers, Danielle Jonas began to experience symptoms associated with eczema.
"At first, I attributed what I was feeling to the pregnancy... After giving birth, the symptoms didn't subside," she recounted to Healthline.
As the persistent itchiness, redness, and discomfort continued, Danielle realized that her condition was not transient and sought medical assistance. Her doctor subsequently diagnosed her with moderate-to-severe eczema, a chronic skin ailment marked by intense and lasting itching, as well as the presence of burning sensations and itchy rashes that can fissure, develop crusts, or discharge, potentially leading to discoloration.
"I had an underlying condition that exacerbated my moderate eczema," revealed Danielle. The incessant discomfort left her feeling constantly disrupted. Consequently, she found herself opting to remain at home with her children in an effort to manage the distressing symptoms that were affecting her overall well-being.
The psychological impact of eczema can be profound.
Kevin witnessed how eczema introduced additional stress and anxiety into his wife's already hectic life. Danielle's schedule was brimming with responsibilities, including being a mother to their two daughters, managing a jewelry line, authoring children's books, and navigating the demands of public attention.
"Dealing with moderate eczema and having to contend with all those emotions while not feeling like yourself. She would skip attending shows with me, and we had to adjust how we approached certain events. She was my partner, and this was a challenge," Kevin shared.
The emotional and mental ramifications of eczema can be profound, according to Dr. Michele Green, a cosmetic dermatologist at Northwell Lenox Hill Hospital. Dr. Green highlighted that unmanageable itching could disrupt sleep, leading to mood swings and irritability. She further explained that individuals with eczema might withdraw from social interactions and activities due to concerns about their appearance or the urge to scratch.
Dr. Annabelle Garcia, a dermatologist at Sonterra Dermatology, emphasized that many individuals invest substantial time grappling with persistent and often incapacitating symptoms. For those affected, even everyday tasks can become arduous. Activities that most people take for granted, such as brushing hair, socializing with friends, or taking a shower, can become challenging.
Coinciding with the onset of Danielle's symptoms, she also noticed hair loss. However, she expressed uncertainty about whether her hair loss was directly linked to her eczema.
"Each time I showered, I'd see clumps of hair coming out... Witnessing that added to my stress, and subsequently, my symptoms worsened," she revealed.
The Link Between Eczema and Hair Loss
Although eczema itself doesn't directly cause hair loss, seborrheic dermatitis, a chronic variant of eczema that frequently occurs on the scalp, can manifest as dandruff or a rash. This condition leads to a flaky, red, and itchy scalp.
"The excess sebum produced can stimulate an overgrowth of Malassezia, a yeast naturally found on the skin. While seborrheic dermatitis isn't the direct cause of hair loss, if left untreated, heightened levels of Malassezia can aggravate the skin, potentially obstructing hair follicles from generating new hair strands," clarified Dr. Michele Green.
Furthermore, constant scratching of the scalp can result in damage to the hair follicles and unintentional removal of hair strands.
Dr. Annabelle Garcia emphasized that inflammation on the scalp, regardless of the cause, can have repercussions for the hair follicles, potentially leading to hair shedding or hair loss.
"In situations where symptoms emerge along the hairline, it's plausible for the hair to be affected as well, particularly when combined with factors such as stress," she explained.
The Benefits of Sharing Your Eczema Journey for Others
To amplify the voices of the approximately 30% of the U.S. population who grapple with eczema, Danielle collaborated with Sanofi and Regeneron on their "Show Up AD" campaign.
Following her diagnosis, Danielle revealed that the prescription medication Dupixent played a crucial role in alleviating her symptoms.
"I distinctly remember going to Kevin and saying, 'Kevin, I finally feel like I can take a shower without discomfort, I can run a brush through my hair without discomfort,'" Danielle shared. "I'm inclined to participate in endeavors that align with my personal experiences, and this campaign resonates deeply with me."
Although it was challenging to witness her enduring a protracted journey towards diagnosis and discovering an effective treatment, Kevin expressed his pride in his wife for openly discussing her ordeal.
"Hopefully, Danielle's narrative will guide someone to that pivotal moment of realization: 'I should speak with my doctor. I should consult an eczema specialist,'" Kevin expressed his hope.
Engaging with a dermatologist who specializes in eczema is essential.
According to Green, one of the prevailing misconceptions regarding eczema is that it stems from dry skin and can be easily managed with moisturizing lotions.
"This misconception can lead many individuals with eczema to undermine their symptoms, avoid seeking appropriate treatment during flare-ups, or experience a sense of dismissal from those around them," she emphasized.
Due to its nature as a chronic condition caused by an excessively active inflammatory response within the body, Green asserted that sustained treatment under the guidance of a dermatologist is essential for effective symptom management. The spectrum of treatment options varies widely based on the type and severity of eczema, ranging from lifestyle modifications and over-the-counter products to prescription medications.
While moisturizing lotions can provide relief from eczema symptoms, Green highlighted that prescription treatments often become necessary to mitigate the long-term negative repercussions of eczema flare-ups.
"We need to transform the perception of eczema to provide better support for individuals seeking treatment," she advocated.
Danielle's aim is to empower individuals living with eczema to participate in this shift by dismantling the stigma associated with the condition. She encourages those with skin conditions to educate themselves about their ailment and engage in conversations with medical professionals about potential treatment options.
"It's possible to feel embarrassed by it, and that can be frustrating because it's beyond your control. Feeling hesitant to go out due to embarrassment about visible skin issues – people need to understand that everyone faces challenges," Danielle stressed.
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