There may be spots on the skin from stress and other types of dermatological conditions: acne, eczema, hives, rosacea, psoriasis, alopecia (hair loss), vitiligo (white pigment patches on the skin), trichotillomania And even self-mutilation disorders.
When people experience stress in life, their skin becomes a reflection of stress. In fact, during development in the uterus, the brain and skin are derived from the same cells.
Stress or nerves can cause:
- Skin spots and rashes in general (in children and adults).
- Spots on the face.
- Stains on hands.
- Grain.
- Dermatitis.
- Rash.
Studies show that at least 30% of patients who have dermatological problems also have some psychological problem that is not being treated.
However, if these psychological problems are treated, the state of the skin can greatly improve.
Stress aggravates existing skin problems
The skin is the longest and most visible organ in the body, so it tends to register the effects of stress or nerves quickly.
If your skin and face tends to be dry, the stress makes it even drier. If you tend to develop blackheads, with stress Will become more visible.
The same with acne: stress produces hormones like adrenalin Which can alter the balance of other hormones in the body, worsening the typical acne pimples.
What's more, long-term stress decreases the production of collagen and elastin -
Fibers that give the skin its elasticity - resulting in sagging.
In young people the skin retains the ability to recover, but the healing process slows down with age and, after 40, the effects of stress can be permanent.
A new field of study: psychodermatology
These effects, their causes and their treatments, are studied by the subfield of dermatology called psychodermatology.
Psychodermatology studies the impact of the emotions of people on the skin, integrating psychology, psychiatry and dermatology.
With this integrative approach other possibilities of treatment are opened, including: Antidepressants , Psychotherapy, relaxation therapy... that can control and treat skin conditions.
The mind and skin are connected on several levels. Many nerve endings are connected to the skin.
In acne for example, when you are tense your body releases Cortisol , A stress hormone that can increase the production of fat by the skin.
Other skin diseases, such as alopecia and the Vitiligo , Can be triggered by an autoimmune reaction.
There are other cases in which severe mental illness may occur as skin diseases. For example: tearing your hair, biting your nails, tics...
Rash and itchy skin
Rashes, itchy skin and conditions such as eczema worsen under stress.
Because some people scratch themselves under stressful situations, they may develop rashes that worsen the situation.
In stressful situations, blood flow is diverted away from the skin to vital organs and this can aggravate existing allergies and eruptions.
Treatments of skin blemishes
If stress-related skin problems the self-esteem And in social relations, can lead to more serious problems, such as the Depression .
If there is depression, anxiety or other mental disorders, medication and Cognitive behavioral therapy May be helpful.
The Relaxation techniques Y the sport They can also help decrease anxiety, stress and depression.
For example, it has been shown that activity levels, the state of mind And the state of the skin of children improve after receiving massages.
Another solution for controlling blemishes or other skin conditions is to control habits such as scratching. To do this, you need to be self-conscious and have alternative behaviors that can help.
For example:
- Every time you go scratching, take a pencil and write something.
- When you are going to eat your nails, take a pencil and write something.
To be more self-aware can help you Mindfulness And relaxation techniques.
Finally, diet is also important for improving the condition of the skin and avoiding the effect of Stress hormones . Vitamins C and E act as antioxidants and prevent the destructive effect of free radicals in the body's cells.
Stress in children
If a child has skin-related stress , Parents have to observe what kinds of stressful events their children are experiencing.
In childhood and adolescence school experiences and the social group are very important, so parents can focus on them.
If the skin problem occurs for a short period of time, there is not much to do. For example, develop more blemishes during an exam period.
However, if the stressor is chronic, it is necessary to try to resolve such a stressor. For example, having conflicting relationships in the family.
Some Ways to Reduce the Consequences of Stress on Your Skin
Although it is impossible to avoid stress completely, there are some ways to control its negative effects on the skin.
- Exercise frequently. It will be good for your skin and the rest of your body.
- Take some time off to do something you like, even if you only have 10 minutes a day. Read a book you like or take a hot bath.
- Go for a walk.
- Take care of your skin, especially when you are tired or stressed.
- Practice techniques for To control stress Such as yoga, relaxation techniques, progressive relaxation, meditation Or visualization.
- Sleep enough . The ideal is 8 hours a day.
- Learn to say no to have more time for yourself.
- Seek social support from friends, family, partner or professionals.
And in you have caused the streaks stains on your skin?