Inflammatory skin diseases such as psoriasis, hives, and dermatitis can occur on their own or they can coexist with other autoimmune diseases. Rashes and hives are a modern-day plague. Often, they creep up insidiously without rhyme or reason and resolve without incident. Once the last lesion clears, it tends to make a re-appearance weeks later, noticeably worsening in times of stress.
Emotions and Skin Diseases
It’s estimated that 30-60 percent of all dermatologist visits are related to skin problems related to psychological stress. Scientists have recently found how stressful emotions unleash a torrent of cortisol and free radicals that age the skin. In addition, stressful emotions can trigger hypersensitivity reactions such as hives and rashes. The consequences include psoriasis, eczema, hives, atopic dermatitis and seborrheic dermatitis.
The stress hormone cortisol is particularly damaging to the skin. Cortisol constricts blood vessels causing blood pressure to rise and deriving skin cells of essential nutrients. It’s not surprising that stress has long been associated with pimples, hives, rashes, and psoriasis. It's not surprising that many skin conditions are autoimmune and their symptoms are worsened by stress.
What Helps
Mediation, biofeedback, tai chi, yoga, self-hypnosis and psychotherapy are all well known stress reduction techniques that can help offset the effects of stress. Adaptogens are also an effective remedy, with the added benefit of balancing endocrine hormones and modulating the immune response.
One adaptogen, the herb ashwaganda has long been used in Ayruvedic medicine to treat stress-related diseases. Ashwaganda also improves mood and cognition. In a recent clinical trial ashwaganda was found to reduce stress and decrease symptoms of fatigue, headache, muscle pain, heart palpitations, dry mouth, insomnia, irritability, and forgetfulness.
New Oral Supplement
A new oral supplement, Fernblock with Sendara, has been developed by the Life Extension Foundation to combat the effects of stress and protect the skin. The supplement contains the antioxidant herbs ashwaganda and Phyllanthus emblica (from the Indian gooseberry), and a tropical herb, Polyodium leucotomos, known to protect the skin against sun damage. In trials, the extract was found to reduce cortisol levels as well as levels of the inflammatory marker C-Reactive Protein (CRP). In addition, the supplement was found to increase levels of the adrenal hormone DHEA, which decline with aging.
Stress and Autoimmune disease
Due to its detrimental effects on the immune system stress has long known to act as a trigger for many autoimmune diseases, including Graves’ disease. Stress is also known to cause exacerbations (worsening) of symptoms and contribute to flares of symptoms. Stress reduction techniques are an important tool in reducing symptoms in autoimmune disease and in achieving remission. Whether the answer is ashwaganda or one of the other adaptogens, the new combined supplement, a relaxing getaway, or a series of yoga sessions depends on the individual. The response to both stress and to stress reduction techniques is unique to the individual.
Source:
Romy Fox, Psychodermatology, A New Approach to Protect the Skin, Life Extension Journal, July, 2009: 67-73.
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