What skin conditions can worsen with stress?

Our skin is the largest organ in our bodies, occupying more than 18 square feet, and it can show signs of stress in a number of different ways.

Skin conditions most likely to be exacerbated by stress include:

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory and autoimmune disease. It is caused by overactive T cells in the immune system that trigger increased production of skin cells. The extra cells collect on the surface of the skin and form red, itchy and scaly patches that might appear all over the body.

Anyone can get psoriasis, regardless of age, but it is most likely to appear first between the ages of 15 and 35. It can show up anywhere – on the eyelids, ears, mouth and lips, skin folds, hands and feet, and even nails.

Psoriasis is one skin condition that may get worse with stress. Studies show that people with psoriasis tend to have immune systems that overreact to stress, causing psoriasis to flare up. Similarly, a psoriasis flare can also cause stress. In a cruel vicious cycle, once skin problems start to show, the resulting stress from them can make the condition worse. That's why managing stress is so important to help ease psoriasis flare-ups and symptoms.

There’s currently no cure for psoriasis, but treatment can slow down the growth of skins cells and relieve pain, itching and discomfort. For mild cases, there are a variety of over-the-counter topical ointments that can help. Medicated creams or ointments, including topical corticosteroids, can help during flare-ups. Light therapy and natural sunlight can also ease psoriasis symptoms. Most patients will have to deal with symptoms from time to time for life. However, avoiding stressful situations and other triggers can go a long way towards helping you manage this skin condition.

Did you know

Worldwide, at least 125 million people are affected by psoriasis, according to the International Federation of Psoriasis Associations.

Eczema

Eczema or atopic dermatitis is another inflammatory skin condition that can appear anywhere on the body, including your hands and feet. There are many types of eczema, which refers to allergic, inflamed skin causing redness, chronic itching, blistering and flaking.

As with other skin conditions, many eczema patients have triggers that can cause flare-ups of their disease. Typical triggers include certain fabrics, harsh soaps, detergents, perfumes, cosmetics, weather changes and allergies to certain metals. But stress is also a key trigger.

When you encounter a stressful situation, the body has a physiological reaction, often referred to as the 'fight or flight' response. During this physiological response, stress hormones, like cortisol, are released. When released in large amounts, cortisol suppresses the immune system and increases inflammation throughout the body. This increase in inflammation extends to the skin, worsening eczema symptoms.

While we don’t know exactly what causes eczema, we do know that, just like psoriasis, stress worsens the outbreak which ultimately leads to more stress over the spread of the rash. Eczema can be hereditary. It can affect males or females, regardless of age.

There is no known cure for eczema, but there are some treatments that can help keep aggressive symptoms under control. Keep your skin clean and moisturised to prevent flare-ups. Doctors recommend taking regular showers with warm, not hot, water, and applying moisturiser immediately after bathing.

You may be prescribed a topical ointment with steroids to reduce inflammation, and if that isn't effective, systemic medications that fight inflammation throughout the whole body may help. Ultraviolet B therapy is another treatment option. This encourages vitamin D production and curbs the skin's inflammatory response while calming itchiness at the same time.

Did you know?

Eczema can be treated but cannot be cured.

Acne

Acne is the most common of all skin conditions, affecting an estimated 85 per cent of the population at some time in their lives. It is usually associated with hormonal fluctuations experienced during your teenage years, but adults can experience acne, too.

The skin condition affects the hair follicles and oil glands under your skin. The glands make an oily substance called sebum. Acne can occur when sebum, dead skin cells and hair come together and form a plug. When the plug starts to break down, a pimple can pop up.

While the exact cause of acne is unknown, stress appears to trigger acne in people with the condition. This is why you might breakout more during a busy or stressful week.

For stress-related acne, try using an over-the-counter topical ointment containing salicylic acid, which removes dead skin cells that clog pores, leading to pimples. Clean acne-prone areas to remove skin oils and look for salicylic acid in cleansers, toners and moisturisers.

For persistent acne and more serious skin problems, you should consult a dermatologist. If left untreated, your acne may leave scars or darken the skin.

Did you know?
It's not just teenagers who battle breakouts. Adult acne is surprisingly common and has many causes, with stress being a major trigger.

Rosacea

Rosacea, characterised by small red bumps, facial redness or skin flushing, is another common skin condition often triggered or worsened by stress. It usually affects the cheeks, forehead, nose and chin. Symptoms may flare up for weeks or even months and then disappear for a while only to return. Rosacea can occur at any age, but usually occurs in adults older than 30 years.

Rosacea patients can have breakouts that resemble acne. The redness is mainly caused by broken capillaries and inflammation.

The emotional stress and worry of seeing these rashes on your skin may cause you to become even more stressed, leading to more pronounced breakouts.

Rosacea can often be treated effectively with topical treatments applied to the skin. In some cases, your doctor may recommend a topical treatment and oral treatment together. Laser treatment and light therapy can be used to target the redness and broken veins.

Did you know?

Although rosacea can affect anyone, it’s most common in middle-aged women who have light skin, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Hives

Known medically as urticaria, hives are raised, red-coloured spots or welts. They vary in size and can appear almost anywhere on the body, including the stomach, back, arms and face. Areas affected by hives can feel itchy; in some cases, they cause a tingling or burning sensation when touched.

These hives can occur due to a variety of different causes, such as:

cold or heat exposure
infection
certain medications, including antibiotics

Stress can trigger an outbreak of hives that can make up a stress rash. There can be a number of hormonal or chemical changes that occur in response to stress. These changes can trigger blood vessels to expand and leak, causing red and swollen patches of skin. The resulting hives can be made worse by consumption of alcohol or caffeine and exposure to warm temperatures.

Patients with chronic hives may experience welts that last up to six weeks. If you notice a flare-up of your hives, it’s best to see a dermatologist as soon as possible, who will likely be able to give you a medication, such as an antihistamine or steroid, which will reduce your itching and the visibility of your hives.

Did you know?

About 20% of people get hives at some point in their lives.