The skin is the border that separates us from the outside world and is
the largest organ in the body
, if it is calculated that, in an adult, it has an extension of two square meters and weighs around six kilos.
During pregnancy, both the skin and the nervous system originate from the same layer of embryonic cells, called the ectoderm.
This common origin, and the fact of sharing multiple chemical substances, explain the intimate and permanent relationship that both will have throughout their lives.
For this reason,
the skin is very reactive to emotions
, such as fear (“I was white as a sheet”), shame (“red with shame”), anxiety (“soaked with nerves”) or anger (“violet because of the anger”).
Strictly speaking, the skin works as a
sophisticated sensor
that registers the intensity of our emotions.
And many times, it is the scenario that reveals them indirectly when they are not expressed in the appropriate ways.
Almost 50% of patients who go to the dermatologist suffer from some associated emotional or psychological disorder
, although it is not fully proven that the mind causes skin changes.
In most cases, the emotional is a powerful trigger, in addition to genetic predisposition, environment and lifestyle.
In an article published by E. Farber in the
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
on research in 6,800 patients, anxiety, stress, depression, marital and financial problems were triggers for psoriasis in almost 40% of them.
It is common for adolescents who have acne on the face to suffer from anxiety, depression, or social phobia.
Norberto Abdala, doctor
Vicious circle
Although the controversy of the psychological origin of skin diseases is still open, without a doubt a vicious circle is generated, since skin lesions affect the nervous system and nerves affect the skin.
When skin lesions are visible (eczema, acne, psoriasis, vitiligo) they also have
a negative impact on the
individual's body image, well-being and social adaptation.
It is common for adolescents who have acne on the face to suffer from anxiety, depression or social phobia
and in 10% of cases present chronic psychological sequelae in the future, even if the acne disappears.
Prolonged stress, anguish, fears, sadness, produce negative effects on the body and the skin does not get rid of them.
The emotional states mentioned increase the level of cortisol and adrenaline, hormones that, as in a cascade, alter the levels of others (thyroid, estrogen and testosterone) and these directly affect the skin.
Many times, dermatologists lack sufficient knowledge about the causes of psychological problems, and the same thing happens to psychiatrists regarding skin issues.
Therefore, it is imperative for the benefit of the patient that there is close collaboration between both professionals in the treatment of these pathologies.
The inscriptions of nervous suffering on the skin do not always disappear easily, even,
many times, the marks last forever
.
Something like a "tattoo", but psychological.
look also
Female intuition: why science has shown that it is not a myth
Why receiving and giving affection helps reduce stress and pain