The Link Between Emotional Health and Skin Problems
The link between emotional health and skin problems is more commonplace than you might imagine.
Many people who struggle with depression, anxiety, and stress may suffer from a variety of skin conditions. In fact, more than 50% of chronic mental health patients have a self-reported skin condition.
The Role of Stress in Dermatitis & Related Conditions
Stress related dermatitis is also known as psychodermatitis and has been researched for over 40 years. The emotional stress dermatitis symptoms are varied and can include dry skin, itchy skin or inflamed skin.
There are many factors that could cause someone to be stressed, such as a traumatic event, difficult life event or ongoing negative situation. This emotional stress dermatitis (psychodermatitis) is often linked to specific allergic reactions and environmental triggers like detergents, chemicals or animal dander.
The effects of this condition can range from mild to severe. A person may develop blisters on the body, which can lead to infection. This can be treated by a doctor or with medications that manage the immune system.
The Role of Depression in Eczema-Related Conditions
Eczema is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition with redness and itching as its main symptoms. There are a multitude of topical eczema treatments, however studies show that depression, anxiety, and stress are key psychological factors in the development of eczema-related conditions.
Depression is a mood disorder characterized by an all-over feeling of sadness or unhappiness. It is also characterized by insomnia or hypersomnia, low energy levels, changes in appetite or weight, low self-esteem and thoughts of suicide. Depression can be caused by other medical conditions such as diabetes mellitus type 2 and Parkinson's disease.
There are many other eczema-related conditions, such as atopic dermatitis (AD), contact dermatitis, nummular eczema (NE), lichen simplex chronicus (LSC), and seborrheic dermatitis.
Conclusion: How to Protect Your Skin from Psychological Stressors
With so many different types of stressors, it can be difficult to know which ones are most likely to affect your skin and make it more vulnerable. We all experience stress in one form or another. Stress can come from our work, relationships, money, and even our environment. While we cannot always get rid of these stressors, we can do certain things that can help us take care of our skin and keep it healthy.
Some ways that we can protect our skin from the negative effects of stress include:
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Candle meditation is a great way to distract yourself from the stresses of day-to-day life.
Everyone has their favorite way to relieve stress. Some people meditate after a long day. Candle meditation is a great way to focus on the present moment and take your mind off of all the cares in life.
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Practice deep breathing throughout the day.
Deep breathing is a natural and free way to relieve stress. It can help in reducing anxiety and improve concentration. The practice of deep breathing has been used for centuries to promote well-being. The technique also improves stamina, increases energy levels, and provides a sense of calm to help you sleep better at night.
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Maintain physical exercise and good nutrition.
It's important to maintain a healthy lifestyle in order to avoid chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and sleep apnea. Go for regular walks, stay hydrated with water, don't smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol excessively, and get at least 8 hours of sleep per night.
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Manage social media time.
The average American spends over two hours per day on their social media accounts. It’s easy to get caught up in the allure of likes and followers, but exposure to blue light from digital devices can disrupt sleep patterns and make it difficult to fall asleep at night. The use of these devices before bedtime is not recommended as it suppresses melatonin production, which makes it hard for the brain and body to wind down, yet restorative sleep is so important for overall health.
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Connect with others.
It is shown that the healthiest people are those who have a strong social network. This network can help with stress, mood, and happiness. Studies have shown that humans need connection to survive, so why is it so hard to stay connected with those around us? In this age of social media and digital connectivity, it's easy to forget about the human aspect of our relationships.
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Use clean body products on your skin.
Clean body products are essential for a healthy, happy skin. Cleaning your skin with harsh chemicals or skin products that aren’t organic can damage the protective layer, which then makes your skin more prone to stress and other problems. It’s important to use organic skin care products from reputable companies who have your health in mind.
Dr. Nicole
#embracethenaturalyou