#effects #psychoemotional #stress #skin #hair
Numerous dermatological conditions are triggered by psychological factors
To discuss all this, we have to go back to our origin, each of us, from the time of our embryonic development.
embryo it has 3 main tissues. From these 3 tissues we later develop, in their entirety: the endoderm, the mesoderm and the ectoderm.
The integument and its appendages (this is about hair, nails, but also sweat and sebaceous glands) develops from the ectoderm, the outer covering of the embryo.
And at the same time, the entire nervous tissue, as well as the sense organs, derive from the same embryonic tissue – the ectoderm.
It’s no wonder that they stay connected and influence each other throughout their lives!
The interaction between brain and skin is therefore one complex, bidirectional. It is in a permanent dynamic, also involving immune and endocrine mechanisms.
Practical, numerous dermatological conditions are triggered or exacerbated (aggravated) by psychological and/or psychological factors. But things also work the other way around. The existence of dermatological conditions in itself can contribute to the aggravation of some elements related to the psycho-emotional state.
The link between psycho-emotional stress and dermatological conditions
Psycho-emotional stress triggers inflammatory cascades throughout the body. These, in some people who have certain predispositions, can lead to the appearance of manifestations or even dermatological conditions. Of these, the most frequent are: psoriasis vulgaris, atopic dermatitis, alopecia areata, acne, pruritus, urticaria, rosacea, vitiligo.
These diseases can not only be triggered by neuroinflammatory mechanismsbut they can also be maintained by them. It is unanimously recognized that conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, alopecia areata, urticaria, vitiligo can be caused, exacerbated or associated with depression, anxiety, body image disorder, social anxiety, psychosexual dysfunctions and even with suicidal ideation (recurrent suicidal thoughts).
But how could stress trigger an itchy sensation on the skin?!
Regarding itching (itching sensation on the skin), it is triggered by mast cells (skin cells, with a role in immune defense). The latter are located right in the vicinity of the peripheral nerve endings in the skin.
Under the influence of psycho-emotional stress, the nerve endings in the skin are “irritated” and stimulate the mast cells. In their turn, mast cells release histamine, nitric oxide, proteases, cytokines, with pro-inflammatory and vasodilatory effects. This results in edema, inflammation, ‘irritation of nerve endings’ and an itchy sensation.
Chronic stress or a strong psycho-emotional shock can also lead to significant hair loss, a condition known as telogen effluvium.
Practically, under the influence of certain released inflammatory mediators, the hair is stopped from the active growth phase. Thus, it goes prematurely into the resting phase – the telogen phase -, which leads to a marked fall of it.
The body perceives stress, whether chronic or acute, as important. It perceives it as a threat and tries to conserve its resources.
The body will give up what is not indispensable, as a result: the hair on the scalp.
Strong psycho-emotional shocks can also lead to the sudden whitening of certain areas of hair on the scalp or in the beard and eyebrows.
Psychodermatology
There are also psychiatric disorders with skin manifestations:
1. delusional parasitosis. The patient is convinced that there are parasites in the skin and often presents himself to the dermatologist for numerous excoriations produced by himself.
2. actual dermatitis/artefact dermatitis. The patient produces injuries on his own skin, out of a more or less conscious desire to benefit from the sympathy and compassion of those around him.
3. trichotillomania. The patient pulls hair from his scalp/eyebrows, etc., consciously or not, often as a form of relaxation.
All these connections and affections led to the development of a field located at the intersection between dermatology, psychiatry and psychology: psychodermatology.
It is very important for both dermatologists (but also family doctors) and psychologists to know some information that is the basis of this link between brain-mind-emotional state and dermatological conditions.
But this minimal information that explains the mentioned connection is also welcome for patients, so that they become aware and act accordingly.
Concrete. It is likely that patients suffering from chronic urticaria, psoriasis or alopecia areata could benefit from psychotherapy, combined, of course, with drug treatment to alleviate their symptoms.
Can we do something to avoid the appearance of certain skin manifestations due to stress?!
Each individual human mind represents a universe in itself, so we probably don’t know exactly what and if we can prevent something with certainty, but we can definitely try!
For example, in stressful situations, we can try deep breathing techniques.
We can turn to meditation or the help of a psychotherapist.
Sports, nature walks and healthy eating have also proven to be very effective in managing psycho-emotional stress.
At the same time, certain herbal extracts may work for certain people.
Calivita comes to the support of people who go through stressful periods, who feel anxiety and change of mood, with a supplement based on Rhodiola rosea extract and zinc.
Rhodiola Rosea is an adaptogenic plant, known and used for thousands of years (its history dates back to 77 AD) for its properties on the nervous system.
The product Rhodiolin it’s great for Stress Management
Rhodiolinby its composition, has tonic, energizing effect, by reducing fatigue and stimulating concentration.
It can also help in restoring the emotional balance. Since it is a composition based on Rhodiola rosea, an adaptogenic plant, its consumption does not cause addiction, and the body takes exactly as much as it needs, without having noticeable adverse effects.
NB If you also face other medical conditions, ask your doctor if you can use this supplement. Also, confidently turn to psychotherapists or even psychiatrists, when you feel that your emotional state is precarious.
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