Table of contents:
- Why does stress make it itchy?
- Recognize neurodermatitis, an itchy and red skin condition that is triggered by stress
- Signs and symptoms of neurodermatitis
- How to treat itchy skin due to stress?
- When to see a doctor
From problems at work, fighting with friends, or household problems, everyone feels stressed out sometimes. Stress does not only make headaches and blood pressure rise. Some people also experience itchy and red skin when they are under severe stress. You are one of them? Why does stress make it itchy?
Why does stress make it itchy?
When you are stressed, your brain reacts by releasing the stress hormone adrenaline and cortisol and other chemicals as the body's reaction to defend itself from threats. You will feel your heart rate increase, breathing faster, muscles tighten, and blood pressure soaring up.
This stress reaction also affects your skin. There are many nerve endings connected to the skin, so if the central nervous system in the brain detects danger from stress, your skin will react too. Some people feel itchy when they are under stress because the brain also triggers excessive sweating. If you are in an environment that is hot, humid, or if the air is not circulating properly, sweat will get trapped in the layers of the skin and cannot evaporate. This then makes the skin itchy, typical of prickly heat.
In addition, stress makes it itchy because the body produces hormones that can trigger skin diseases that you already suffered from and make them worse. Some people who have psoriasis, eczema, hives are prone to symptom relapse when they are under stress.
Recognize neurodermatitis, an itchy and red skin condition that is triggered by stress
If you are prone to itching especially when you are under stress, this may be a sign of neurodermatitis. Neurodermatitis is an itchy skin condition that is triggered by stress, and can appear on any part of the body. The itching sensation can be so intense that you have to keep scratching to reduce the itching.
Additionally, neurodermatitis is often associated with other skin conditions, such as dry skin, eczema, or psoriasis. Women aged 30-50 years experience neurodermatitis more often than men.
Signs and symptoms of neurodermatitis
- Itching only in certain areas (arms, face, head, shoulders, stomach, back of thighs, wrists, groin, buttocks) or itching all over the body
- Skin texture that is rough or scaly on the area of the skin that feels itchy
- The surface of your skin is rough, bumpy, uneven, red or darker than the rest of your skin
Itching due to neurodermatitis can come and go. Some people feel the most itchy when they are relaxing or during sleep. When you get over the stress and move on, the itching goes away. Even when the stress has subsided, some people can develop the habit of scratching without realizing it, even if they are not itchy. This is known as psychogenic itching.
How to treat itchy skin due to stress?
- Do not scratch the itchy skin area. The more you scratch, the more it itches. Keep your fingernails short and apply a cool ointment to reduce the itching sensation.
- Use a moisturizer to keep the skin from drying out, which can make itching worse
- Steroid creams can help calm inflammation and itching. In more severe cases, it is necessary to consult a doctor to get a higher steroid dose (only by prescription).
When to see a doctor
You need to see a doctor if:
- You find yourself scratching the same area of skin over and over.
- Itching disrupts sleep or daily activities.
- Your skin becomes irritated or shows signs of infection.
