Nov 12: We try to hide our stress by wearing plastic smiles but we are so transparent that sign of stress comes out through our nails, hairs and skin. This is a recent study published in Science Daily.
Researchers from United States have carried out a study which shows a clear relationship between stress and dermatological problem like acne, brittle nail or even hair loss.
When a person becomes stressed, the level of the body's stress hormone, cortisol rises. This in turn causes an increase in oil production, which can lead to oily skin, acne and other related skin problems.
Dr Flor A. Mayoral, of the University of Miami’s Miller School, who led the team of researchers said, “Stress can aggravate the skin and trigger unexpected flare-ups that, in effect, create more stress for patients”.
The researchers came to this conclusion after analysing a research involving 27 medical, dental and pharmacy students.
They examined how periods of higher stress impacted the skin’s response after repeated stripping of cellophane tape on the subject’s forearms and comparing this with periods of lower stress after returning from winter vacation.
The analysis showed that it took longer for the skin to recover from higher stress periods than to the periods of less stressful periods.
This research is first of its kind to prove the prevailing assumptions that stress has psychological as well as dermatological problems.
Citing another Mayoral said that stress has negative effect on the barrier function as a result the stress period is also accompanied by loss of water by skin and inhibition of skin’s ability to repair itself after an injury.
Sharing her experience she said that she had seen how stress can aggravate the skin and trigger unexpected flare ups that in effect, create problem for patients.
At the same time she is full of advice on managing the effects of stress on the skin that can help alleviate some of the anxiety and symptoms.
“Stress affects people differently – some may develop an ulcer, or have a heart attack, or lose their hair. Hair loss is a normal response to stress, but patients should see a dermatologist for a proper evaluation to rule out other medical causes. I also advise patients to avoid any strange diets where only one or two foods are allowed, as improper nutrition and extreme or rapid weight loss can result in hair loss,” said Dr. Mayoral.
She also pointed several symptoms related to nail as brittleness increased with stress it is also observed that in some people nail biting and picking also increased with stress.
This study will give new insights to treat these dermatological problems, managing a stress free life has become a key in maintaining healthy life.
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