Sex, genital eczema & sexual intimacy – Part 1 & 2 – S5E3&40

Will anyone ever love me?

Will anyone ever want to be with me? Hold my hand? Or even marry me?

My skin made me feel SO different from everyone.

And I was so afraid that I wouldn’t be accepted because of my skin.

Relationships, sex, and sexual intimacy are something that usually brings joy. But for those going through eczema and topical steroid withdrawal (TSW), it can bring fear, withdrawal, embarrassment, and even discomfort for many.

This can be a taboo topic for some, but it’s also a topic that many struggle with – and it’s not something that’s often talked about.

We wanted to start a discussion to help others feel less alone on what it’s really like to have sex, sexual intimacy, and even genital flares when you’re going through eczema and topical steroid withdrawal – so here it is!

My guests also talked about so much more – including:

✔️sexual intimacy
✔️sex drive
✔️genital eczema
✔️awkward sexual moments
✔️ sexual stories with TSW

… And so much more!

In this 2-part series, my guests discussed what it’s like to have sexual intimacy when you’re going through eczema and topical steroid withdrawal. My guests also talk about awkward and scandalous moments, including sexual intimacy, their sex drive, and genital eczema. This 2-part series features Linette Roungchun (@linettero), Sean Dillnutt (@sdillnutt_tsw), and Louise King (@louigi.skin).

*Disclaimer: This episode includes profanity and real stories and struggles about sex when you have eczema or TSW. We recommend not having your children in the room when you’re listening to it.

Atopic dermatitis and sexuality

In one study, titled, “Atopic Dermatitis In Adults: Impact on Sexuality,” which involved 1,024 subjects who responded to a questionnaire (women: 58.3%). 81,65% of the patients declared to be affected by AD on their sexuality behavior. 40.34% of patients with severe AD declared that AD affected their libido (compared to 17.26% and 4.11% for mild or moderate patients).

12% of the patients reported genital involvement.

This proportion increased with the severity of atopic dermatitis (AD): 2.8%, 9.4% and 22.02% respectively for mild, moderate and severe AD (p<0.001).

Conclusions: These results show a major impact of AD on Patients’ sexuality and libido.

Self-image & eczema (Statistics)

Here are some statistics about eczema and self image from the National Eczema Association:

• One in three adults with AD and their partners have reported that eczema interfered with establishing relationships and their sexual health.
• More than 85% of people with AD indicate their disease affects the type of clothes worn by “somewhat” or “a lot.” Girls report more problems with clothing choices than boys.
• Parents and caregivers of children with AD report feeling embarrassed about their child’s appearance as well as frustration, helplessness, sadness and guilt due to their child’s disease.
• Children, adolescents and young adults with eczema often feel isolated from their peers due to disease-related lifestyle restrictions.

Sexual, self-esteem & self-image

Self-esteem and sexual intimacy, and self-image are often concerns for those with atopic dermatitis. My guests shared how it affected their sex drive and even made them want to sleep in separate beds in order to find comfort.

They also shared how their skin (and skin flakes) would affect the times that they had sexual intimacy. It also made them feel less attractive and they were afraid their partners would leave them at times.

According to the National Eczema Association, more than one-third of people with AD say they “often” or “always” feel angry or embarrassed by their appearance due to the disease.

One-third to one-half of adults with AD also avoid social interactions because of their appearance.

The avoidance of intimate situations and sexual well-being can stop people from seeking new social opportunities and affect long-term intimate relationships.

Looking for ways to enjoy life and love yourself despite all of it, can help to support your self-esteem.

Talk about sex and intimacy

Going through topical steroid withdrawal (TSW) and eczema is incredibly challenging. It is important to be able to communicate and talk with your partner openly about sex and any concerns about intimacy. Being able to talk about it will help to remove any barriers and fears.

Many are so concerned with their dysfunction, that they forget there are other parts of their relationship that involve more than just sexual intercourse.

By opening up, it also allows you to get support from your partner and it allows them to be more understanding and help you understand your situation, so they can support you in the best way possible

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST BELOW:

 

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