Stress spots: when the skin reacts to emotions

Can spots appear due to stress? Redness, rashes, hives… Indeed, many extreme psychological states manifest themselves organically and also physically. Furthermore, within dermatology this intimate relationship is assumed; In fact, it is an increasingly common phenomenon, both in adults and children.

The intricate link between skin and stress has several decades of study behind it. The “brain-skin” connection has meant that disciplines such as psychology, endocrinology, neurobiology and dermatology itself have been collaborating with each other for years to understand this phenomenon much better.

Likewise, an obvious fact should be noted: they are very annoying and even disabling conditions. Sometimes, intense inflammation and redness of the skin on the face can limit a person’s social life. The spots are also accompanied by intense itching.of abrasions that cause pain and that greatly limit the normality of day-to-day life.

Let’s understand this topic a little more.

Stress spots: what they are, why they appear and how to treat them

A large part of people who suffer from stress end up showing skin changes. The most common, for example, are undoubtedly the classic acne breakouts. Now, one aspect should be clarified: these manifestations, such as the classic stress stains can undoubtedly be, only arise when this psychological state is intensely maintained over time.

We cannot ignore that The skin is the largest organ in the body and is also very sensitive to the mood.. Rosacea, dermatitis, psoriasis or vitiligo are quite common disorders and the most treated in dermatology consultations.

However, let’s delve a little deeper into the appearance of spots.

How do I know if the spots I have gotten are due to stress?

Stress stains appear overnight. They arise as an outbreak and, therefore, the first thing we usually think is that it is the manifestation of some allergy. Likewise, it is very easy to differentiate them from sunspots, since the latter have a browner tone and form over time, little by little.

Stress stains usually manifest themselves in the following way:

They have a reddish tone.They are irregular and arise in nuclei.They usually appear on the neck, chest and abdomen.. Also on arms and legs. We will notice their appearance because they itch, sting and bother the friction of clothing.

Why do they go out?

States of stress maintained over time and of high intensity take their toll on us. They do it in many ways, it is true, but the fact that sudden spots appear on the skin is a fairly common phenomenon. Let’s analyze the causes of its appearance:

Psychological stress generates an inflammatory response of the skin, causing the appearance of spots and even preventing wound healing. This is what a study carried out at the University of Berlin by doctors Robert Maioff and Yingh Shen reveals. We also know that these states of stress They increase adrenaline in the blood and with it the increase in cortisolThis hormone unbalances the internal balance of the skin and causes the appearance of seborrhea and bacteria. If weeks or months go by without managing this psychological state, various processes begin to be triggered due to the excessive level of cortisol. We suffer hormonal alterations, Toxins accumulate and inflammatory processes begin. The skin is the largest organ and also the most sensitive to these hormonal alterations. We know, for example, that vitiligo, although it is an autoimmune disease and usually has a genetic component, can be aggravated by stress. It happens when the immune system itself attacks the skin cells that produce melanin. Hence, the classic white spots.Rosacea is another skin disorder that can also arise with stress. and as a reaction to that inflammation caused by excess cortisol.

Stress spots: how can I treat them?

Stress stains can appear at any time. Whenever we are going through a time in which this psychological state is a constant, we run the risk of suffering from some skin alteration. What can we do therefore in these circumstances? Let’s look at some keys.

The appropriate thing is to go to the doctor and rule out other pathologies. Generally, and To reduce both inflammation and itching, antihistamines are often prescribed. Likewise, there is something obvious: if we do not manage stress, nervousness will continue to be present, as well as itching, discomfort and the risk of more stress spots appearing. We must break the cycle. For it, Cognitive-behavioral therapy is very useful: it works on dysfunctional thoughts and ideas that intensify the discomfort.Establishing routines that include time for rest, leisure and physical and mental disconnection is also appropriate. Practicing some type of moderate exercise can be of great help. On the other hand, It is important to take care of your diet: reduce saturated fats, pre-cooked foodswhite flour, alcohol or stimulating drinks like coffee.

To conclude, let’s not neglect the impact of emotions, worries and psychological states on skin health. When the body speaks, it is our obligation to understand the message and provide a solution.

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