During periods of increased psychophysical and emotional stress, the skin often suffers, manifesting, in some cases, sudden skin rashes accompanied by severe itching. This is stress dermatitis, a sudden skin inflammation characterized precisely by red spots, itching, and dry skin.
Here are some tips to recognize it and alleviate its symptoms.
Symptoms of stress dermatitis
The symptoms of stress dermatitis are very similar to those of contact dermatitis , such as the appearance of red patches, blisters or wheals , accompanied by itching, burning and dry skin.
In stress dermatitis, the parts of the body most affected are:
- The face
- The hands
- The elbows
- The knees
- The neck
- The feet
- The scalp
In more acute cases, itching may be felt all over the body .
Because of the discomfort caused, those who suffer from stress dermatitis may be led to scratch the affected areas in order to find relief. The risk is that in this way abrasions or even wounds and bleeding are created, with the possibility of infection.
In some cases, stress dermatitis behaves like a chronic disease, with acute phases , in which the skin becomes inflamed as a reaction to stress, which alternate with phases of remission, which can last a long time, in which the skin normalizes. In all cases, it is important to consult a dermatologist to have a safe diagnosis and the most suitable treatment.
Causes of Stress Dermatitis
The causes that trigger dermatitis can be many, but in the stress-related one, cortisol certainly plays an important role: also known as the ” stress hormone “, in a situation of particular emotional tension, cortisol levels rise, causing various effects on our body, including the weakening of the immune system if the stress is prolonged over time. This condition can cause inflammation of the skin .
Other elements that could contribute to worsening this skin condition are:
- Using aggressive skin care products
- Excessive cleansing
- Cold temperatures and dry climates
- Exposure to allergens
Remedies for stress dermatitis
To identify the most appropriate treatment to combat stress dermatitis, a diagnosis by a dermatologist is first necessary, with a specialist visit.
It is important to find new ways to manage the sources of tension in your life and prevent the most acute phases of stress dermatitis. For this reason it is advisable to:
- Do physical activity
- Taking care of your mental well-being
- Having proper sleep hygiene
- Practice relaxation techniques
- Adopt a healthy and balanced diet , taking care to limit the consumption of coffee or alcohol
- Stay hydrated
How to take care of skin affected by stress dermatitis
During periods of flare-ups of skin inflammation, Eucerin AtopiControl Acute Phase Cream and Eucerin DermoPurifyer Oil Control Soothing Treatment , thanks to a complex of soothing Licochalcone A and Ceramides, provide relief, reducing itching, dryness and redness.
If your skin is particularly dry and flaky, Eucerin Aquaphor Repair Treatment can be a great ally, because it accelerates the cell regeneration process and consequently helps the skin to heal.
However, in cases where the area affected by stress dermatitis is not too red, flaky or particularly extensive, ph5 Moisturizing Gel Cream can help stabilize the optimal pH value of the skin, rebalancing it.