Stress and anxiety can trigger skin irritation with typical symptoms of dermatitis. We explain how to relieve it with natural solutions.
- Stress dermatitis: what it is and why it occurs
- Stress dermatitis: symptoms
- Natural remedies for stress dermatitis
Daily responsibilities, work, family commitments, traumatic situations… They are factors that can cause stress to which we are constantly subjected, sometimes even without realizing it.
In the long run, stress can impair our physical and mental balance and can also affect the skin and cause (or aggravate) some diseases, such as dermatitis.
STRESS DERMATITIS: WHAT IT IS AND WHY IT OCCURS
Stress dermatitis (or nervous dermatitis) is a skin irritation that occurs as a reaction to stressful situations, anxiety or nervousness, whether emotional, sentimental, work or family.
The mechanisms that trigger this skin condition are not fully understood, but it is believed to occur because stress causes us to release a hormone called cortisol, capable of modulating the functioning of the immune system, and our defenses decrease. This impairs the normal function of the skin barrier and can lead to dermatological problems such as dermatitis.
Stress dermatitis affects both women and men and is not contagious or usually serious, but it can be very annoying.
STRESS DERMATITIS: SYMPTOMS
The face, neck, hands, arms and feet are the areas of the body most commonly affected by the symptoms of stress dermatitis. Like other types of dermatitis, they include:
- Stinging rashes, similar to insect bites.
- Dry, flaky skin.
- Fluid-filled blisters.
- Swollen redness or hives on the skin.
- Burning or itching.
- Scratching can cause wounds to appear.
Stress dermatitis is difficult to diagnose, since the doctor is usually unaware of the patient’s personal situation. It is often confused with an allergy or a yeast infection.
The intensity of symptoms varies from person to person and, in some cases, the itching and stinging can become so annoying that it even disturbs sleep.
NATURAL REMEDIES FOR STRESS DERMATITIS
The symptoms of stress dermatitis usually disappear spontaneously within a few days. So that they do not recur it is important to avoid the stress or nervousness that triggers it.
These tips can help you reduce stress:
- Exercising every day is one of the best keys to reducing stress and getting a good night’s sleep (another fundamental anti-stress factor).
- Eat a healthy diet, containing stress-relieving nutrients and foods, and eliminate (or reduce) stimulants, such as caffeine and alcohol.
- Practicing meditation or yoga can help you relax.
- Spend as much time as possible in contact with nature.
- Journaling can help you streamline things and distance yourself.
To relieve dermatitis, consider these recommendations:
- When bathing or showering, make sure the water is not too hot, as it could further irritate your skin.
- Do not bathe more than once a day and use a soft, unscented gel.
- Apply a moisturizer free of perfumes or toxic substances immediately after showering.
- Avoid very high or humid temperatures.
- Use 100% cotton clothes and wash them with ecological detergents, without using fabric softeners.
In addition, there are plants that can reduce the symptoms of dermatitis:
- Aloe verahas regenerating and healing properties. You can use an aloe vera-based cream or apply the gel inside the leaves directly on irritated skin
- Oatmeal is soothing and soothing and can help relieve symptoms. Apply a compress soaked in the boiling water oatmeal on the affected skin and leave it on for a few minutes.
