Stress and atopic dermatitis: Precipitating factors

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin condition that causes dryness, itching and inflammation. Although it is common in the first years of life, it can manifest itself at any age, occasionally worsening. It is not contagious, but it is very irritating.

This condition, also known as eczema, is triggered by various factors, but a direct link to stress has been proven, as it can act as a trigger for outbreaks in 40% to 50% of cases.

This relationship between stress already dermatitis It goes both ways, that is, stress can make things worse diseasebut atopic dermatitis and his treatments They can also cause stress in patients, because physical injuries They cause discomfort, stigmatization and a negative perception of themselves.

Although the main cause of this disease remains unknown, stress is one of them factors which increases the risk of the body suffering from it or accelerates the process of it. For that reason, psychological help It can be considered a primary means in the treatment of this disease, supplementing what the doctor prescribed.

Striker

“The perception of altered skin that is socially considered unattractive creates discomfort in these people, which increases stress and scratching, turning atopic dermatitis into a chronic stressor for the patient,” explained Dr. Eyra Medina, medical director of Pfizer Inflammation and Immunology Central America and the Caribbean.

Therefore, “through science, at Pfizer we want to transform the management of these and other autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, with innovative therapies that target certain places in the body where the cause of the problem is known to occur and enable a better quality of life for patients,” he emphasized.

He added: “Chronic stress alters the normal functioning of various systems, such as the endocrine, nervous, immune and psychological systems.”

“These systems are interconnected, so what affects one affects and conditions the others. And the skin is connected to all of that.” he also said.

Chronic stress changes the normal functioning of various systems, such as the endocrine, nervous, immune and psychological systems. These systems are interconnected; So, what affects one, affects and conditions others. And the skin is connected to all of that,” said the specialist on the occasion of World Atopic Dermatitis Day, which is celebrated on September 14.

Treatment

Treatment is aimed at prevention inflammation and skin barrier dysfunctionas well as treatment of infections, if they occur.

Early intervention could prevent further exposure and sensitization of others allergens in the later stages of life.

International day

As part of World Atopic Dermatitis Day, it is recommended that patients recognize and avoid irritating products which cause itching, since scratching often causes breakouts.

Some common triggers include rough fabrics, dry skin, skin infectionsheat, sweating, Detergentsmites, mold, pollen, tobacco smokecold and dry air, odors and irritating chemicals.