Introduction:
Psychodermatology is a newer field that addresses the interaction between the mind and the skin. Experts are still investigating the role of depression and other psychological issues in skin problems such as acne, psoriasis (rash and itchy skin), eczema (dry and inflamed skin), itching, hives, and other skin issues. Living with the visible signs and symptoms of common skin disorders can be distressing. Furthermore, the prospect of stigmatization and social rejection can overwhelm some people. Conversely, depression can result in elevated neuropeptide (messenger molecule) and other proinflammatory cytokines (protein messengers levels, exacerbating existing skin disease. Given the reciprocal relationship between skin disorders and depression, the chicken or the egg question often emerges. It is still uncertain whether the depression present initiates or worsens skin disease or did the depression has its onset or exacerbation as a consequence of the skin condition.
How Do Depression and Anxiety Affect the Skin?
Depression is a common mental health issue causing low mood and a loss of interest in daily activities. This negative emotional state can affect happiness and substantially diminish the quality of life. Depression often results in poor personal hygiene and poor treatment compliance.
Depression can also:
-
Make Skin Problems Worse: Depression can easily lead to a cycle of harmful perpetuation in which sadness deteriorates skin disease, and the consequent burden of worsening skin disease aggravates depression.
-
Interfere With Daily Skin Care: An individual with depression tends to skip a daily skin-care routine, which can exacerbate skin issues.
-
Makes the Skin More Sensitive and Reactive: Depression and other psychiatric illnesses cause a chemical response in the body that makes the skin more sensitive and reactive. It can also make it more difficult for a person to recover from skin problems.
What Is the Link Between Depression and Skin Problems?
The link between depression and skin problems is explained below:
-
Psoriasis: People with psoriasis often feel stigmatized and experience higher levels of depression. Depression, anxiety, opposition, and problems with verbal expression of emotions have been noted among people living with psoriasis. Psychiatric symptoms are frequent but are not always associated with skin disease severity. A 7.2 percent prevalence of suicidal ideation is observed in people with severe psoriasis, while a 2.5 percent suicide ideation occurs in those with mild psoriasis disease.
-
Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema): Higher levels of depression and anxiety are reported in people with atopic dermatitis (eczema). Anxiety is one of the presenting symptoms of depression. Adults with atopic dermatitis are usually anxious and report difficulty in controlling anger. Depression severity has been shown to correlate with the severity of pruritus directly.
-
Alopecia Areata: People with alopecia areata experience worsening hair loss by stress when depression is elevated. This may mean that comorbid depression may cause the condition to be more stress-reactive. Surveys of people with this skin condition revealed up to a 74 percent lifetime prevalence of one or more psychiatric disorders and an 8.8 percent to 39 percent prevalence of major depression.
-
Acne: Studies have shown that acne's stress and emotional impact are similar to chronic diseases such as diabetes and asthma. However, emotional and functional impact is not necessarily associated with severity. People with acne, even with mild disease, can be severely psychologically disabled by the condition. Mild to moderate acne is associated with significant psychological morbidity, including suicidal ideation and depression.
-
Rosacea: Higher levels of depression, anxiety, embarrassment, and social withdrawal are observed in people with rosacea. Those with more severe flush-blush reactions are frequently more emotionally affected.
How to Ease the Effects of Depression on the Skin?
Depression treatment is generally two-for-one, which means that by treating depression, overall health can also be improved. Treatment options for depression and related skin problems such as psoriasis, acne, atopic dermatitis, and rosacea (a condition with red skin) involve conventional methods, complementary therapies, and home-based remedies, including:
-
An individual can work with a healthcare professional to make a treatment plan that best fits their needs.
-
To relieve the symptoms and severity of depression, people can take oral medications such as antidepressants, antianxiety, and antipsychotic medications.
-
Treatment for skin diseases involves healing irritated skin, diminishing the severity of the symptoms, and preventing future outbreaks. Therefore, it is also essential to recognize and avoid triggers.
-
Psychotherapy is a widespread and effective therapy for depression. The most common types of psychotherapy are cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy. Psychotherapy helps people with depression improve their behaviors, thought patterns, and emotional issues. All these therapies have been associated with improved therapeutic outcomes and general well-being.
-
Relaxing mentally and physically may help alleviate stress, decrease inflammation, and relieve skin problems and depression symptoms. Practicing relaxation techniques, such as meditation, yoga, music therapy, massage therapy, biofeedback, and mindfulness, may also enhance how a person manages and reacts to stressful conditions.
-
Take time to do favorite activities like reading a book, listening to one's favorite music, dancing, or panting.
-
Depression can affect sleep patterns, and sleep deprivation can cause inflammatory responses in the skin, like acne and psoriasis. Try to sleep and get up at about the same time each day to restore the regular sleep cycle.
-
Ask for help by seeking support from a friend, professional therapist, counselor, or support group.
-
Consult with other specialties and use new therapies for skin disorders, including lasers that can treat skin and related emotional issues.
Conclusion:
It can also be stressful and annoying to have skin problems. Some people may feel so bad about their appearance that they keep to themselves, aggravating depression. At the same time, depression can exacerbate existing skin diseases. Fortunately, treating psychological issues can also improve skin problems. Understanding the link between depression and skin problems can help people manage their symptoms and make positive life changes. A healthcare professional, including a professional therapist, counselor, or support group, can recommend appropriate skin problems and depression treatment plans that combine conventional approaches, alternative healing techniques, and positive lifestyle changes. This can also help relieve physical symptoms, promote mental health, and enhance overall well-being.
