Eczema and stress: Triggers, connection, and more – Medical News Today

Posted: September 24, 2021 at 10:47 am

Experts are not sure what exactly causes eczema. However, most researchers believe there is a link between eczema and a combination of genes and triggers. Stress is one potential trigger.

People who have eczema often have overreactive immune systems that respond to a substance, or trigger, inside or outside the body. The body reacts to these triggers by causing inflammation. This in turn produces eczema symptoms, such as itchy, painful skin.

According to advocacy group National Eczema Association (NAE), stress is sometimes a trigger for eczema. Some people experience a flare-up of symptoms when they feel stressed. Others feel stressed because of their eczema, which worsens their symptoms. The result is a cycle of anxiety and eczema symptoms.

This article explores eczema and its causes. It also looks at prevention and treatment and when to contact a doctor.

Although researchers have found strong links between stress and eczema, they do not fully understand the mechanisms underlying the connection.

However, there are several theories about why stress may worsen skin symptoms.

Stress may cause or worsen eczema as part of a persons fight-or-flight response.

When a person is in a stressful situation, this triggers the fight-or-flight mode. The body responds by producing more stress hormones, such as cortisol and epinephrine.

However, too much cortisol can dysregulate the immune system and lead to inflammation of the skin. People who have eczema are especially susceptible to this inflammatory response.

Cytokines are small proteins that control the activity and growth of blood cells and affect immune and inflammation responses in the body.

According to some research, the connection between stress and eczema may involve cytokines, which in turn affects communication between inflammatory responses and depression or stress.

Stress may lead to changes in the immune system, which may trigger eczema.

These changes involve the neuroendocrine pathways. These pathways are a hormonal system of communication between cells.

Research in animal studies has shown that inflammation in the nervous system can cause stress-induced flare-ups of allergy symptoms. The inflammation may lead to eczema.

Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a common allergic skin condition that usually starts in early childhood. The main symptom is itchy, dry skin.

If a person scratches the affected areas, their skin can become chafed and thickened, and red to purple discoloration may occur.

Half of all people with moderate to severe eczema also have hay fever, asthma, and food allergies.

Experts have linked eczema to a leaky skin barrier, which allows water to escape and dry the skin. A person can inherit leaky skin or develop it due to their environment.

A protein called filaggrin is essential to the skins barrier. If someone lacks this protein or if it is faulty, it can cause moderate to severe eczema.

A person may also develop eczema due to contact with bacteria, pollen, detergents, soaps, and animal dander.

While stress can also trigger eczema, there are differences between stress-related eczema and a typical stress rash.

A stress rash usually appears in the form of itchy, rounded welts, or hives. Hives can appear anywhere on the body and vary in size. While they often disappear within 24 hours, a bout of hives can last up to 6 weeks.

Anxiety disorder may trigger flare-ups of eczema. It can be difficult for a person with anxiety to manage the condition without medication.

Having anxiety may produce physical symptoms, including eczema.

If a person has a family history of anxiety or depression, they may need to address these issues first before managing their eczema.

Eczema is a complex condition. While researchers are not sure what causes it, they believe the following may play a role:

There are also various potential triggers for eczema, including:

The NAE found that more than 30% of people with eczema are also living with depression, anxiety, or both.

If a person experiences these health issues, they should seek guidance from a mental health specialist, who will determine the most suitable treatment.

To manage stress that occurs due to eczema, a person can try the following:

A person may be able to prevent eczema flare-ups by making certain changes to their routine, including:

A dermatologist may tailor a treatment plan to meet individual needs. However, most treatment plans include:

A person with eczema should contact a doctor if:

Eczema is a common allergic skin condition that may cause discolored, itchy, dry skin.

Stress may trigger eczema due to increased cortisol levels, which leads to inflammation, causing eczema symptoms.

An eczema rash may result from anxiety or depression. If that is the case, a person should seek treatment for these underlying conditions to help manage their eczema.

There are various causes of and triggers for eczema, including family history, certain fabrics, scented products, and extreme temperatures.

Managing stress, moisturizing skin regularly, and using fragrance-free skin care products and detergents may help alleviate symptoms.

Dermatologists usually treat eczema with a combination of topical and other medication, trigger management, and phototherapy.

A person should contact a doctor if their eczema is severe or appears infected.

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Eczema and stress: Triggers, connection, and more - Medical News Today

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