A skin rash is unpleasant. Just about everyone is affected by it at some point in their lives. But often people do not even think that stress can be the cause of the rash. In the following, skin rashes due to stress will be discussed in more detail.
A skin rash caused by stress can be a very unpleasant affair. On the one hand, unsightly red spots or pimples appear on the skin surface. On the other hand, the rash is usually also accompanied by an unpleasant itching or even pain such as burning. In medicine, a separate field deals with the connections between the psyche and our skin – psychodermatology.
In the following, the different causes as well as the types of skin rash, the definition of stress as well as the healing possibilities are shown.
1. Types of skin rash
A skin rash due to stress can present itself in different forms. On the one hand, there may be redness that appears on the body in varying degrees. However, a skin rash also includes pimples or allergies.
The triggers for the physical reactions can be complex. However, a frequent factor is also too high a stress level. Since our skin is our largest organ, the consequences of an unhealthy lifestyle show up here particularly often – often in the form of pustules or wheals or extensive psoriasis.
2. But what does stress mean?
What is stress? The term stress actually stands for pressure or tension. Various situations or external factors can influence your stress level. Stress is caused by special stimuli, the stressors. The reactions can be psychological as well as physical.
Stress can be positive and increase our performance. But it can also become a burden and harm the body. How we deal with and cope with stress varies from person to person. Every person deals with stress differently. However, if the stress level is too high, then physical symptoms will also show up. One of them can be skin rash due to stress.
3. Negative stress or disstress
Especially when disstress becomes a constant companion, it can become a natural enemy for your body. Your body eventually fails to compensate for the stress. Feelings such as exhaustion or excessive demands become widespread.
The specific situation that causes your body to overflow depends on your personal stress level. Some people can live with an extremely high stress level for months or even years. For others, even the smallest events are enough to throw them off their game.
But so-called abiotic factors can also cause increased stress for your body. These include, for example, environmental influences such as heat or noise, or various radiation or gases in the air.
They also include high alcohol consumption and an unbalanced diet. In addition, there are biotic factors such as diseases to which your body is exposed. Emotional stress can be caused by bullying or high expectations. All of this can have a negative effect on your body and cause various reactions such as skin rashes due to stress.
4. Skin rash due to stress
Stress has a direct impact on the immune function of your skin. When you are under constant stress, your immune system is weakened and bacteria, fungi and viruses have an easier time penetrating your skin. There they may cause an unpleasant skin rash.
The blood circulation of your skin can also be disturbed by too much stress. As a result, important nutrients can no longer be distributed sufficiently.
Your body can no longer cope with the negative stress. This is reflected in the appearance of your skin. The stress inflames the hair follicles. Purulent nodules develop, which cause pain or itching. Affected skin areas can be your face, fingers and hands, legs and knees as well as toes, elbows, forearms, abdomen and back. However, more uncomfortable areas such as the mouth and throat as well as the genitals can also be affected by skin rash.
5. What helps with skin rash due to stress?
First of all, the cause must be found. To do this, you should take some time and question your daily routine. Include all aspects of your daily life – from your family to your job, your circle of friends and even your diet.
You will probably notice things in various places that you should change or that could prove to be the cause. If you cannot find the cause yourself, then contact your family doctor or dermatologist.
It is important for a healthy skin that it is supplied with the necessary vital substances. This includes above all vitamins A, E and C. Isoflavones and lycopene are especially good for your skin. Try to change your diet to foods that contain a lot of these substances. Especially fruits and vegetables provide your body with many important nutrients.
Skin rash due to stress can also be promoted by various care products or detergents. If you suffer from an acute skin rash, then make sure that your daily care does not contain too many perfumes and preservatives.
It is best to choose a manufacturer that tests its products for allergens. Furthermore, the products should be moisturizing and soap-free. Natural materials such as silk, cotton or linen are also the most skin-friendly. Detergents should also be free of colorants, fillers and perfumes.
The doctor can prescribe an ointment or cream for acute itching. Tinctures or special bath additives can also provide relief. If the rash is particularly severe, it may also be necessary to take medication. If you suffer from psoriasis, so-called immune modulators can have an effect.
6. Conclusion
Basically, however, these measures are only suitable for combating the symptoms. You should definitely tackle the root of the problem and try to reduce stress. Allow yourself more phases of relaxation to calm your nerves. Look for ways out of stressful situations and try to think more positively.
Find solutions to deeper problems and talk about them with a close person to clear your mind. Once you manage to lower your stress level, you will also notice that your skin rash will improve. Always remember, “The skin is the mirror of the soul!”