Q: Can stress cause skin problems?
A: Absolutely. In dermatology, we frequently hear patients say, “My skin always seems to get worse when I’m stressed.” And there is good science behind that observation.
Our skin doesn’t operate independently from the rest of our body. When we experience stress, our brain and nervous system trigger the release of hormones and inflammatory signals that can affect the skin. For some people, that may mean an acne breakout. For others, it can trigger or worsen eczema, psoriasis, rosacea or even hives.
Stress can also make us itch more. Unfortunately, scratching creates more inflammation, which causes more itching. Dermatologists call this the “itch-scratch cycle,” and stress can be an important part of what keeps that cycle going.