Skin Problems When Stressed

When the body is stressed, it releases cortisol, which causes glands to overproduce hormones. This overproduction of hormones can raise oil production, increase skin cell growth and worsen preexisting skin diseases.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a skin problem that affects the scalp and body and creates itchy lesions that scale over. Stress and anxiety makes the condition worse, and removal from stress can improve it.

Acne

Acne is a common condition that produces pus-filled blemishes on the skin. During periods of stress, acne can flare up.

Eczema

Eczema is found around the knees and elbows as an itchy pink rash. Eczema can spread when the body is stressed.

Hives

Hives develop from exposure to a substance that the sufferer is allergic to. Hives cause itchy, red blisters on the skin, and they can worsen from anxiety or panic.

Alopecia

Alopecia is a condition that causes the skin to constrict, leading to a suffocation of the hair follicles and hair loss. Stress can increase this problem and exacerbate hair loss.

References

• The Stress Skin Connection
• American Academy of Dermatology: Skin Conditions Caused by Stress