People don’t realize that mental and emotional issues can show themselves in the form of physical ailments. In fact, there are some people that would not have a physical ailment, or at least not have as severe of an issue, if they did not have the mental or emotional stress in the first place. The correlation is real, and it’s important to understand if you or a loved one is struggling with any kind of serious life stress, depression, anxiety, or other issues.
Acne, Hives, and Rashes
When the body is feeling the stress of your emotions, it will respond in kind. Typically, some people see acne when they are experiencing excess stress, which is due to the increased production of cortisol and other hormones that can increase the oils on the skin. This leads to further skin problems, including acne breakouts, blackheads, and more.
In some cases, the skin will go the opposite direction and dry out or create a rash that is solely the result of stress or depression. Rashes and hives are itchy and bothersome, although not usually problematic for the most part. They can happen from stress, anxiety, or any extreme emotional response that is felt by the body, and it’s important to know when the root cause is physical or mental so that you can find the best solution.
Worsening Skin Problems
For those with existing conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis, stress and depression can cause flare-ups or make these conditions significantly worse over time. When these conditions are aggravated, they will create more rashes and patches of dry skin. In fact, some people only have psoriasis or eczema outbreaks under extreme stress, and once things settle down, their condition may clear almost entirely.
People who already have issues with fever blisters or cold sores may experience flare-ups of their condition under stress, as well. Any number of skin conditions could elicit a stress response, as a matter of fact. The chemical responses in the body will encourage existing issues first and may even create new physical responses over time.
It’s important to pay attention to your body under stress so that you understand what is going on and whether you should be seriously concerned or if you just need to find a way to relax and unwind. The relationship between your skin and your mental well-being is strong, and it’s one that you need to nurture to keep your skin in its best condition.