The skin is the largest organ in the body and shows us its anomalies with the naked eye. Therefore, skin problems due to stress They are usually quite common. Unlike other organs and systems, epithelial tissue is easy to analyze. We can examine it without the use of any device and detect the changes that occur in it in an easy way.
There is an embryological connection between the skin and the nervous system which continues into adulthood. The elevation of so-called stress hormones causes a series of physiological changes, as a result of which the skin does not come out well, according to exhibits the United States National Library of Medicine. Let’s go deeper.
The role of stress in skin problems
Stress is a defense mechanism that the body has to ensure their survival. However, when it becomes chronic, it produces a range of effects that affect the entire body and lead to skin problems, she suggests. this study conducted by Dr. Chen:
- Wrinkles.
- Flaccidity.
- Staines.
- dull skin
- Loss of elasticity.
Skin problems caused by chronic stress have to do with blood circulation. In these situations, the body needs a quick response to implement fight, flight, and freeze strategies. To do this, at the command of cortisol, it redirects blood flow to the muscles, heart, lungs and brain, and the big victim of this cut in blood flow, among others, is the skin.
Similarly, stress negatively affects the immune system and it makes our skin more vulnerable to infections and external aggressions.
Diseases that cause skin problems due to stress
There is a group of skin conditions that have been directly related to stress. Among them, the most important are those that we will discuss below.
1. Acne
In general, hormonal and emotional factors are decisive for the appearance of acne. Stress acts as a trigger for acne on the face and other parts of the body. This condition is mediated by increased cortisol levels and the body’s predisposition to skin infections due to chronic stress.
2. Atopic dermatitis
While it can be caused by environmental factors, dehydration, irritants, infections, and even sweat, some of cases is closely related to stress, while exhibiting this study carried out by a team from the University of Medical Sciences of Matanzas (Cuba).
A vicious circle is created between itching (pruritus) and scratching, which can become obsessive and cause the dermatitis to worsen due to superinfection and the appearance of other more serious complications.
3. Seborrheic dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis is a disease that has been directly related to episodes of stress. It appears in moments of great anxiety of patients for change of job or address, marriage or divorce, illness or death of a family member, exams, etc.
4. Grazes
In this case, the patient compulsively scratches the skin, generating cycles of itching and scratching which can last for years.
It usually appears in young patients who, undergoing changes due to hormonal stress, can cause serious injuries due to repeated scratching. This problem it usually improves when psychological lability is treatedalthough it can last many years due to delayed diagnosis and ineffective treatments.
5. Alopecia areata
It is hair loss in very specific areas of the scalp, in the form of small circles like coins. It has a genetic predisposition due to the appearance of autoimmune factorsbut a high influence of emotional factors has been demonstrated, according to says the Mayo Clinic.
6. Psoriasis
Psoriasis is characterized by the acceleration of the life cycle of cells, which die prematurely. They accumulate on the surface of the skin, forming scales and red spots, producing intense itching and even pain. It is a chronic episodic disease. It can disappear for a while only to reappear under more stressful circumstances than normal.
All the personality characteristics that make a person susceptible to the influences of stress are also responsible for the appearance of psoriasis, so their relationship is very clear. Improving stress levels usually improves anxietyalso depression and, therefore, exacerbations of psoriasis.
7. Hives
Stress can act to trigger or worsen hive attacks. This condition is characterized by the appearance of red spots and bumps on different parts of the body, accompanied by itching, burning and tingling.
Research state that stress can aggravate hives in up to 20% of cases. Other causes of hives include sudden changes in temperature, use of antibiotics or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and exposure to allergens.
8. Rosacea
Rosacea is a chronic skin disease presenting with redness, papules and pimples on the face. In general, she affects the forehead, chin and cheeks. Education state that this pathology affects 10% of the population and can be triggered by emotional factors, such as stress and anxiety.
9. Healing problems
In most cases, Chronic stress can significantly reduce and impoverish the skin’s healing rate. This fact favors infections from opportunistic germs and the appearance of hypertrophic and keloid scars.
A investigation recommends people avoid post-surgery stress for faster healing of surgical wounds.
How to prevent skin problems due to stress?
It is common to experience stress as a result of work, social and academic activities. As you see, continuous, high and persistent stress conditions the appearance of numerous diseases. However, you can minimize the impact of stress in your life and reduce skin problems by applying the following strategies:
- Exercise regularly.
- Practice yoga and meditation exercises.
- Follow a healthy and balanced diet.
- Schedule a body massage appointment 1-2 times a month.
- Find and practice strategies for coping with stress.
- Use sunscreen.
- Avoid exposure to chemicals and unknown substances.
- Maintain adequate medical supervision of any dermatological disease.
Seeing a psychologist can help
It is right to mention it the appearance of psoriatic lesions produces social rejection. The patient feels stigmatized and tends to hide them, which is another major stress-generating factor that obscures the prognosis.
We have only seen a few examples where stress-related skin problems manifest themselves. It is convenient to handle this problem correctly because, in addition to being able to cause depression, weakens the immune system indirectly responsible for the worsening of the situation.
The post Skin problems due to stress first appeared in research-school.