Can Stress cause Skin Rash? Other effects of Stress on Skin and How to Prevent?

We’ve established that stress and skin problems are connected. How though?

The skin is closely connected to the nervous system through the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. When faced with a critical situation, the stress you experience triggers the release of cortisol (also called the stress hormone). This release of cortisol leads to excess production of sebum (oil) in the skin which leads to acne and breakouts. When stressed, your skin barrier also becomes weak and gets easily affected by irritants, allergens, or infections. During this time, the skin’s ability to repair is also hampered, and as a result, the skin becomes dull.

Common Skin Conditions That Happen Due to Stress

Following are the ways stress affects your skin: 

1. Acne: The hormonal fluctuations triggered due to stress increase the production of sebum (oil) which clogs the pores and leads to acne.

2. Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis): Stress also has an effect on your immune system. When it gets weakened due to stress, you may experience eczema flare-ups, which cause dryness and irritation.

3. Psoriasis: Psoriasis is a skin condition characterized by scaly patches in your hair (often looking like dandruff) caused by rapid skin cell turnover. Stress can worsen it.

4. Rosacea: Rosacea is a skin condition that causes long-term redness on your face. Stress can provoke it and increase inflammation, redness, and sensitivity.

5. Hives: Sudden stress may also trigger hives. Hives are raised, red, itchy bumps on the skin.

6. Hair Loss: You may also experience an excessive amount of hair thinning or hair shredding due to stress.

7. Wrinkles: Another effect of stress on skin might be weakened elasticity of the skin which accelerates the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

8. Dry Skin: Stress may also damage the skin’s ability to retain moisture which gives way to dryness and irritation.

9. Scalp Rash: You might also witness an itchy scalp as an effect of stress on your skin.

Common Skin Rashes Associated with Stress

Skin rashes caused by stress often appear as red, inflamed, and itchy patches on various parts of the body. The most common stress-induced skin rashes include

• Hives: Hives are raised, itchy welts that suddenly appear for a few hours or days due to stress.
  
  
• Eczema: A skin condition in which the scaly, red, and dry patches may become worse due to stress.
  
  

• Psoriasis: The condition of having dry scaly patches which may get worse with stress.

• Contact Dermatitis: Contact dermatitis is an itchy rash that occurs when your skin touches a substance that irritates or allergens.

How Stress Triggers Skin Rashes

Stress affects the skin through multiple pathways, creating an environment for rashes and irritation to develop:

• Increased Cortisol Production: Stress triggers the release of the stress hormone; cortisol. This sudden increase in the level of cortisol disrupts the skin’s natural balance and causes inflammation, excessive oil production, and acne.

• Weakened Immune System: Stress also attacks the immune system. As a result, the skin becomes more vulnerable to infections, and allergens and takes more time to heal.

• Inflammation: The inflammation caused due to chronic stress might also worsen already existing skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea.

• Impaired Skin Barrier: A weakened skin barrier means increased sensitivity and dryness, leading to rashes.

• Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms: To cope with stress, you might resort to consuming unhealthy food, neglecting skin care, revenge bedtime procrastination (staying up late to cope with not having enough free time during the day), all of which will negatively impact your skin health.

Managing Skin Rashes Caused by Stress

Instead of having unhealthy coping mechanisms that, other than damaging your skin, lead you nowhere, practice these things to better cope with stress:

1. Stress Management Techniques: To reduce your stress levels, practice meditation, yoga, mindfulness, and deep breathing activities.

2. Maintain a Healthy and Balanced Diet: Having a balanced diet supports skin health. Consume foods rich in antioxidants like fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds.

3. Stay Hydrated: Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water daily to keep your skin hydrated and to flush out toxins.

4. Establish a Skincare Routine: Ensure your skincare contains gentle, hydrating, and anti-inflammatory products. Additionally, maintain a consistent skincare routine to help soothe stressed skin.

5. Get Adequate Sleep: 7 to 8 hours of restful sleep will allow the skin to repair and regenerate and also reduce stress.

6. Exercise Regularly: Indulge in regular physical activity to keep your body fit, maintain skin health, and reduce stress levels.

Skincare Products That Could Help Manage Stress and Skin Rash

Here are some skincare products you should use to soothe stressed skin:

• Gentle Cleansers: To avoid irritation, make sure your cleansers are sulfate-free and gentle on your skin.

• Hydrating Moisturisers: Look for ceramide-based and hyaluronic acid-infused moisturizers to strengthen the skin barrier.

• Anti-inflammatory Serums: Use serums containing aloe vera, niacinamide, or green tea extracts as they are great at reducing inflammation.

• Calming Face Masks: Use chamomile or oatmeal masks once a week as they help to reduce redness and irritation.

• Sunscreen: Invest in a sunscreen with SPF 30 or more to protect your skin from UV damage.

When to Seek Professional Help

It is advisable to seek medical attention when home remedies stop working or your issues keep getting worse no matter what you try. A dermatologist will be able to provide treatments specifically suited to your issues. They may either prescribe medications, topical steroids or specialized treatments aimed at treating your skin condition. 

You should also reach out to a therapist or mental health professional if your stress or the stemming issues from it significantly impact your mental health. You might be able to figure out and treat the underlying issue this way and get rid of it in a healthy way and maybe without any medications too.

Conclusion

Stress effects on the skin are undeniable, leading to various skin concerns such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, and rashes. Understanding how stress impacts the skin and implementing lifestyle changes can help in preventing and managing these issues effectively. A holistic approach, including stress management, a proper skincare routine, and a healthy diet, can go a long way in maintaining skin health. If symptoms persist, seeking professional advice ensures proper treatment and long-term relief. Prioritizing mental well-being is not just beneficial for the mind but also for achieving glowing, healthy skin.

Recommended Products by Blue Nectar:

Balalakshadi Jasmine Bath & Body Massage Oil | Skin Hydration & Relaxation

Niraa Warm Vanilla & Sugar Body Lotion with Plant Based Vitamin E for Ultra Hydration (12 herbs, 200ml)

Shubhr Green Tea Face Lotion With Vitamin C & Hyaluronic Acid for Dark Spots & Pigmentation

Related Articles:

How to take care of Skin problems that cause by stress?

References:

https://www.webmd.com/beauty/the-effects-of-stress-on-your-skin

https://www.healthline.com/health/stress-on-face#effects

https://www.scripps.org/news_items/6955-can-stress-cause-rashes