Dermatitis and stress: what is the link?

Stress can affect health, including the health of the skin. The link between stress and dermatitis is explained in detail by Professor Antonio Costanzo, Head of Dermatology at Humanitas and Professor at Humanitas University, in an interview with Corriere della Sera.

Atopic dermatitis and seborrheic dermatitis are two forms of inflammation of the skin and both can be triggered by stress. As Professor Costanzo explained: “Chronic exposure to stress causes the body to undergo various reactions that involve the skin, such as the release of neurotransmitters that, at the skin level, could trigger inflammation and the onset of symptoms associated with specific dermatological diseases”.

 

The Symptoms

In the case of stress dermatitis, itching is the characteristic symptom, particularly affecting the skin of the face, hands, feet and arms. Itching causes patients to scratch, resulting in redness, swelling, skin thickening and peeling.

In patients with seborrheic dermatitis, on the other hand, there is reddening of the skin, flaking with yellowish-white formations and itching. The face and scalp are most affected, even with the presence of dandruff.

 

How to intervene?

The first step is to consult your dermatologist, who will make the correct diagnosis and provide advice on how to counteract the symptoms. Depending on the symptoms and frequency of dermatitis, the dermatologist will suggest a specific treatment based on soothing creams to relieve itching and counter inflammation. In general, it is good to avoid foaming detergents, thus relieving the symptomatology.

For those suffering from seborrheic dermatitis, shampoos containing lactic acid and salicylic acid are indicated, which act as anti-inflammatory agents and favor the elimination of scales, with a mild action for the control of the proliferation of Malassezia mushrooms, responsible for irritation and desquamation. In periods when the symptoms are not acute, an anti-dandruff shampoo can be used, even for frequent washing. However, aggressive products such as gel and lacquer should be avoided.

 

For the parts of the face that undergo peeling, anti-inflammatory or anti-fungal creams and lotions are useful, while if the patient has a beard or moustache, he must use specific, non-aggressive products.