Зміст
Dermatological problems are affecting more and more people, including the very young. Many are chronic and recurrent, with spots, redness, or scaling of the skin, sometimes with persistent itching. The causes have not yet been discovered, but there are suspicions that this is the result of autoimmune diseases, as well as genetic and environmental factors. However, more and more scientists and doctors associate skin diseases with mental problems.
It turns out that severe stress, depression or emotional distress can manifest itself in poor skin condition. In addition, it works in both directions – dermatological problems are increasingly having a destructive effect on the psyche. Unaesthetic body stains can lead to isolation from others or loss of self-esteem. Check out what psychodermatosis is and how they manifest themselves.
Psychodermatosis – what connects the skin with the psyche?
At first glance, the skin has nothing to do with the psyche. However, it is worth knowing that during the development of the embryo, the skin and the nervous system arise from the same structure, namely from the ectoderm. Our skin is also highly innervated and sends many impulses to the brain – mostly related to pain, but also information needed for thermoregulation. Thanks to this, our sweat and sebaceous glands function properly, and our body maintains the proper body temperature. Unsurprisingly, psychiatric disorders can develop on the skin. We are talking then about psychodermatosis.
They are divided into three types – the first is the development of dermatological problems due to severe stress. The second is associated with the influence of skin diseases on the psyche, and the third is associated with mental disorders that manifest themselves on the skin.
Stress and mental disorders that cause skin disease
According to many scientists and doctors, some skin conditions manifest or worsen as a result of prolonged or severe stress. These include dermatological problems with an autoimmune background such as psoriasis, alopecia, or atopicdermatitis. This is because mental stress affects the endocrine and immune systems. Stress triggers an overreaction of the immune system, which causes inflammation and worsens dermatological symptoms.
Anxiety, depression, and agitation are also the cause of unhealthy habits, such as constantly brushing your skin (sometimes without itching) or brushing your hair. This further aggravates the situation and contributes to the development of bacterial skin infections and irritations.
Skin diseases that cause psychological problems.
Poor skin condition, severe acne or psoriasis visible on the face are very often the source of numerous complexes. People who struggle with similar problems may even avoid other people and even live in isolation. Lack of help or effective treatment can lead to depression, anxiety disorders, and even suicide attempts.
Mental disorders manifesting on the skin
A separate group of psychodermatoses is made up of mental disorders that manifest themselves on the skin. They are very rare but require prompt and specialized help. This is, first, trichotillomania, that is, compulsive pulling out of hair – mainly from the head, but also from the eyebrows or eyelashes. The cause is dissociative disorders, trauma, or serious childhood trauma. Sufferers try unsuccessfully to fight this habit, but pulling out their hair brings relief.
Another disorder is called parasitic insanity
Patients are convinced that parasites have settled in their body and skin, and itching can also be observed, which is also caused by mental disorders. Over time, people struggling with the disease begin to prick and scratch their skin in search of parasites. This can lead to numerous ulcers, scarring, and infections.
