Skin problems due to stress? This causes itching, blisters and co
Do not scratch!
The skin has its own language to express our emotions: we get goosebumps out of fear, we blush with shame, pale when we startle. "Skin and nervous system have a close connection, because they arise in the formation of the embryo of the same cell type, the ectoderm," says Kurt Seikowski, a psychologist at the Department of Dermatology of the University Hospital Leipzig and a member of the working group Psycho-somatic dermatology. "When stressed, the body releases certain hormones, the immune system weakens and inflammation occurs."
In some cases, the responsible messenger substances are transported to the skin, so that the inflammation is also visible externally. According to the German Society of Psychosomatic Medicine, every third skin disease occurs together with mental illness. But stress can not only trigger or aggravate a number of complaints; Often it is the other way round: the skin disease is so massive that it puts a strain on our body and makes us feel stressed. Depending on the symptoms, different options can help break the cycle.
Reddish, burning spots
The computer crashes, the work of the last two hours is lost, and suddenly red hectic spots spread on the face or neck. Sometimes they itch so terribly that we have to scratch unceasingly. Because that brings relaxation? and after that we are just beginning to stress in stressful situations. Nevertheless, advises Kurt Seikowski: "Do not scratch it, because the associated stimulation of the skin messenger substances are released, which promote the itching." His tip: "Imagine, for example, how you lie by the sea and a fresh breeze blows over your skin, which creates a pleasant sensation of coldness and reduces its itching."
In addition to allergies, psychological stress is often a trigger
Swelling and blisters
Eczema is the most common skin disease. They are a collective term for dermatitis that is not contagious. In principle, they can affect the whole body: some people have eczema on the face, on the fingers, on elbows or feet; in others, the mucous membranes in the mouth and throat or the skin on the genital organs are affected. Eczema on the hands is especially common. Typical complaints are redness, swelling, itching and blisters.
"In addition to allergies is often psychological stress triggers," says Seikowski. "This can also make existing eczema even worse." Creams and ointments with cortisone help to heal. However, they only fight the symptoms, not the cause. The psychodermatologist recommends therefore about autogenic training for stress management.
Dryness and extreme itching
Eczema is the most common form of eczema and is also known in the jargon as Atopic Eczema. According to the German Neurodermatitis Federation, around five million people are affected in Germany. Especially on the face, on the head and on the hands, they suffer from very dry skin, redness, inflammation and extremely intense itching. The disease occurs in spurts, who? besides other factors such as allergic reactions? can also be triggered by mental stress. For example, a Japanese study after the Kobe earthquake in 1995 found that 38 percent of eczema sufferers in the region were suffering from eczema due to the traumatic natural disaster. Because stress promotes the inflammatory skin reactions and intensifies the itching.
If the persons scratched, the inflammation continues to worsen. "There is no cure yet, but there are many therapeutic options," says psychodermatologist Seikowski. Proven training programs include relaxation procedures. For example, those affected learn to feel the emotional pressure and break the vicious cycle of itching and scratching. Here also help techniques such as autogenic training or progressive muscle relaxation according to Jacobson, to reduce existing stress. Seikowski also recommends his patients to keep a so-called "scratch diary" and to record: When will itching and scratching occur, and above all, what was the trigger?
Scaly bodies
At least two million Germans suffer from psoriasis, medically called psoriasis. It is typical that especially the scalp, knees and elbows are covered by thick white scales, which can completely heal in phases, but then reappear.
The exact causes are unknown. Genetic factors and autoimmune processes probably play a role. An influence could also play the psyche: In comparison to healthy volunteers, dandruff-plagued patients reported significantly more stressful childhood experiences, according to a study by the University of Rijeka. Anger, worry and tension worsen the discomfort.
A healthy lifestyle with proper nutrition, lots of exercise and relaxation can help prevent new relapses
For many, this starts a vicious circle: they feel disfigured and are afraid of the compassionate or disapproving glances of their fellow human beings. Not infrequently affected people withdraw more and more, isolate themselves and become lonely. According to a study by the University of Amsterdam, depression is one of the most common side effects.
Psoriasis is not curable, but good to treat. Seikowski's advice: "A healthy lifestyle with the right nutrition, lots of exercise and relaxation can help prevent new relapses." Many affected persons also benefit from the exchange and the community in self-help groups (addresses eg about the German psoriasis federation: www.psoriasis-bund.de).
Tingling redness and wheals
It feels terrible: like hundreds of mosquito bites spread all over the body, patients describe hives, also known in the jargon as urticaria or nettle fever. Up to one in four acute hives at least once in a lifetime; 800 000 Germans repeatedly suffer from the severe itchy rash with the partially painful swelling. Psychodermatologist Seikowski noted in studies of 600 people affected that this was triggered at 80 percent by mental stress. "Most people over 40 are affected, who do not want to see their performance and load capacity decreases, and therefore constantly overburdened," says the expert. Since medications fight only the symptoms, but not the cause of the disease, the psychodermatologist advises: "First, ask yourself in which situation the signs of the disease are occurring, and if actually stress is the trigger, autogenic training will help."
