Effective Ways to Address Stressed Out Skin Problems and Essential Skin Care Tips
Living with demanding jobs, hectic schedules, and endless to-do lists can lead to constant stress. While you may have adapted to handling this stress mentally, your body might not be as convinced, says Sharleen St. Surin-Lord, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Washington DC. The visible effects often show on your skin.
“If you’re in a high-pressure job, constantly working towards deadlines, or frequently traveling, you may have become accustomed to managing stress. However, your body communicates with you, and your skin reflects this,” explains Dr. St Surin-Lord, an integrative dermatologist. Patients often claim they don’t feel stressed, but further exploration reveals their demanding job, poor sleep quality, and struggles to keep up with their children’s schedules. “I point out to them, ‘You are experiencing stress. You have adapted to handling it, but the severe seborrheic dermatitis causing flaky snowfall on your shoulders indicates stress,'” she adds.
Stress triggers the release of hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol, which can lead to inflammation in the body. If you’re already managing inflammatory conditions like acne, eczema, psoriasis, or seborrheic dermatitis, stress can exacerbate these conditions. You may also face new issues like hives.
Dealing with these problems requires a two-pronged approach. Firstly, consult a doctor to address your skin concerns. “For individuals experiencing breakouts, worsening eczema, or psoriasis due to stress, medications like topical steroid creams or lotions may be necessary,” advises Dr. St. Surin-Lord. “If hives become a recurring issue, an antihistamine may be needed… It’s also beneficial to consult an allergist to manage this effectively.”
In addition to treating the symptoms, it’s crucial to address the root cause of stress. “If the stressor persists and you stop the medication after two weeks, the skin issues may resurface,” notes Dr. St Surin-Lord.
She recommends exploring activities like walking and meditation to find joy and alleviate stress. In severe cases, patients have completed Family and Medical Leave Act forms to take a break from work and allow their skin to heal. “After a two-week break, their skin significantly improved,” she shares.
If your skin is acting out, take a moment to identify your stressors. Managing stress goes beyond mere coping; it requires understanding and addressing the underlying issues to effectively treat aggravated skin.
