STRESS SPOTS: CAUSES AND TREATMENTS - DUDAS - 2025

The spots stress on the skin are possible, to the same as other types of skin conditions: acne, eczema, urticaria, rosacea, psoriasis, alopecia (falling hair), vitiligo (white patches of skin pigment), trichotillomania (hair pulling) and even self-mutilation disorders.

When people experience stress in life, their skin becomes a reflection of the stresses. Stress can have serious consequences in people's lives, and not only physically, but in general health.

Stress or nerves can cause spots on the skin in general - face, hand, chest -, pimples, dermatitis, rash and other conditions.

Studies show that at least 30% of patients who have dermatological problems also suffer from a psychological problem that is not being treated. However, if these psychological problems are treated, the condition of the skin can improve greatly.

Stress aggravates existing skin problems

The skin is the longest and most visible organ in the body, so it tends to register the effects of stress or nerves quickly.

If your skin and face tend to be dry, stress makes it even drier. If you tend to develop blackheads, with stress they will become more visible. Same with acne: stress produces hormones like adrenaline that can upset the balance of other hormones in the body, making typical acne pimples worse.

What's more, long-term stress decreases the production of collagen and elastin -

fibers that give skin its elasticity - leading to sagging.

In young people, the skin retains the ability to recover, but the healing process slows with age, and after 40, the effects of stress can be permanent.

A new field of study: psychodermatology

These effects, their causes and their treatments, are studied by the subfield of dermatology called psychodermatology.

Psychodermatology studies the impact that people's emotions have on the skin, thus integrating psychology, psychiatry and dermatology.

With this integrative approach, other treatment possibilities are opened, including: antidepressants, psychotherapy, relaxation therapy… that can control and treat skin conditions.

The mind and the skin are connected on various levels. Many nerve endings are connected to the skin. In acne for example, when you are tense your body releases cortisol, a stress hormone that can increase the production of oil by the skin.

Other skin diseases, such as alopecia and vitiligo, can be triggered by an autoimmune reaction.

There are other cases in which serious mental illnesses can present as skin diseases. For example: pulling out hair, biting nails, tics…

Rashes and itchy skin

Rashes, itchy skin, and conditions like eczema get worse under stress. Because some people scratch under stressful situations, they can develop rashes that make the situation worse.

In stressful situations, blood flow is diverted away from the skin to vital organs and this can aggravate existing allergies and rashes.

Treatments for skin blemishes

If stress-related skin problems influence self-esteem and social relationships, it can lead to more serious problems, such as depression.

If depression, anxiety, or other mental disorders are present, medication and cognitive behavioral therapy can help. Relaxation techniques and sports can also help reduce anxiety, stress and depression.

For example, children's activity levels, moods, and skin condition have been shown to improve after massage.

Another solution to controlling blemishes or other skin conditions is to control habits like scratching. To do this, you need to be self-aware and have alternative behaviors that can help.

For example:

• Every time you go to scratch, take a pencil and write something.
• When you go to bite your nails, take a pencil and write something.

To be more aware of yourself, mindfulness and relaxation techniques can help you.

Finally, diet is also important to improve the condition of the skin and avoid the effect of stress hormones. Vitamins C and E act as antioxidants and prevent the destructive effect of free radicals on the body's cells.

Stress in children

If a child suffers from stress-related skin conditions, parents need to observe what kinds of stressful events their children are experiencing.

In childhood and adolescence, experiences at school and with the social group are very important, so parents can focus on them.

If the skin problem occurs for a short period of time, there is not much to do. For example, developing more blemishes during an exam period.

However, if the stressor is chronic, it is necessary to try to resolve the stressor. For example, having troubled relationships in the family.

Some ways to reduce the consequences of stress on your skin

Although it is impossible to avoid stress completely, there are some ways to control its negative effects on your skin.

1-Exercise frequently. It will be good for your skin and for the rest of your body.

2-Take time off to do something you like, even if you only have 10 minutes a day. Read a book you like or take a hot bath.

3-Take a walk.

4-Take care of your skin, especially when you are tired or stressed.

5-Practice techniques to control stress such as yoga, relaxation techniques, progressive relaxation, meditation or visualization.

6-Get enough sleep. The ideal is 8 hours a day.

7-Learn to say no to have more time for yourself.

8-Seek social support from friends, family, partner or professionals.