alergija, atopinis dermatitas, egzema, kontaktinis dermatitas, neurodermitas, sausa oda, stresas - May 17, 2023

How does stress cause itching, eczema and premature aging?

Eczema (also called atopic dermatitis) is a skin condition characterized by redness, itching, swelling, dryness, and sometimes scaly skin. Eczema usually occurs in skin folds, such as the elbows and knee bends, but it can also appear on the face and other areas of the body.

The causes of eczema are not completely clear , but it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental conditions. Atopic eczema is known to be associated with other atopic diseases such as asthma and allergic rhinitis.

Eczema can occur at any age, but most often begins in childhood . It can last a lifetime, but for many people the condition improves with age. Eczema treatment includes skin care products and creams that help reduce inflammation and control itching. Some people may also need allergy medicine.

Eczema dermatitis

Do you suffer from itching, skin inflammation, have you noticed that eczema has appeared, but you know that it is not an allergy ? Suddenly you see more wrinkles in the mirror, but you haven't changed your care routine at all? In many cases, even doctors cannot find the cause of skin problems. Many studies show that the reason often lies in our lifestyle. To this day, we know that the expression "skin is like a mirror of the soul" has a basis. The connection between the skin and the mind is today an entire branch of science: psychodermatology. Stress is a common cause of itching and other skin problems.

Why can stress cause itching?

Itching does not necessarily mean you have eczema. One day it may be itchy in one part of the body, the next day another, and some people may experience vague itching all over the body. But why does this happen? Experiencing stress affects the nervous system, especially the sympathetic nervous system. This can increase sensitivity to pain and itching.

Stress causes the production of cortisol, the stress hormone . Cortisol can affect the condition of the skin and the immune system, which can lead to skin problems, including itching. Also, stress can weaken the immune system, which makes a person more susceptible to allergens, infections and inflammation. This can cause itching, especially if the body is reacting to allergens or suffering from an inflammatory skin condition.

Constant scratching irritates the skin and weakens the skin's barrier, which means the skin becomes very sensitive and vulnerable to bacteria and inflammation, and needs help to protect itself from environmental factors again.

What skin problems does stress cause?

Stress can cause other skin problems in addition to painful itching, which may not be so obvious at first: wrinkles and gray skin can also be a result of stress, since the stress hormone cortisol is a great enemy of collagen, which helps maintain the elasticity of the skin. Also, due to stress, the blood vessels narrow and the skin is less supplied: it simply suffers from a lack of oxygen and nutrients. Stress dries out the skin because the lipid barrier of the skin is damaged due to the tension, so the skin cannot retain moisture as well.

Skin as a barometer of well-being

All skin symptoms should be taken seriously, because the consequences of stress do not end only with itching, eczema, wrinkles or acne. Experiencing stress can cause much more damage to the skin. Even if the itchy skin is caused by an allergy or a certain skin disease, such as neurodermatitis or psoriasis, studies show that stress exacerbates the symptoms of the disease and causes more frequent recurrences of the disease.

First aid for stressed skin

First aid for stressed skin starts with proper hygiene and skin care . It is necessary to use a gentle cleanser so as not to damage the skin's barrier layer. Excessively hot water should also be avoided, as it can damage the skin's lipid layer and cause dehydration.

The second step is hydration. Moisturizing creams, lotions help to keep the skin moist and can protect against external irritants. Other products, such as soothing serums or creams, can be helpful in cases of severe stress. EUBOS Urea products are perfect for this.

But the most important thing is to eliminate the source of stress. This may mean practicing relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises or meditation, eating a healthy diet and getting enough sleep. Stress is known to have a direct effect on the condition of the skin, so reducing it can help prevent skin problems. In addition, it is important to consult a dermatologist if the skin condition does not improve or worsens, as an individualized treatment plan may be needed.

Proper skin care can greatly help with itching, eczema, etc. - however, it is important to find the cause and reduce the stress. Your skin will thank you!

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