Stress and acne: the dangerous liaisons
Widespread, acne can cause unsightly by some anxiety. But unlike what the consequences are of dark thoughts on our skin? U.S. scientists now believe that stress aggravates the severity of the disease.
"Evil in his skin", "nerves on edge" ... expressions combining mind and skin are legion. As if linguists had already highlighted these strange links scientists discover little by little.
Stress on edge
Very common skin problem, acne affects nearly 85% of the population in life. Cracking mainly during adolescence, the disease affects the hair follicle. Located at the base of the hair, sebaceous glands are responsible for the production of sebum. In normal times, this fat prevents drying of the skin. But during puberty, this natural mechanism of hydration experiencing some failures. Sebum is produced in large quantities, the skin becomes oily, the pore mouth and bacterial growth occurs in the follicle. This is the pimple (which goes from black to white dot or comedo microcyst).
Because of its unsightly appearance, acne can have a significant psychological impact. Speaking at the age of construction of adult identity, it can cause a lot of stress in adolescents. But conversely, the stress it can affect the severity of the skin disease? Some clinical observations suggest, but few studies had been previously to prove.
Exams are they right for your skin?
Studies on the adverse effects of stress are increasing: on immune function1, feeling pain.2 the cicatrisation3, recovery time and even after Operation4 accumulation graisse5 or backache. On skin problems, major studies concerning the atopique6 dermatitis or psoriasis7.
But doctors and patients agree links between psyche and acne. Among 215 medical students, 67% felt that stress plays a role in the exacerbation of acné8. And nearly three quarters of patients and their relatives (74%) also feel anxiety as an aggravating factor in their disease.9. To get to the bottom, American researchers studied students with the intention to remove what they thought being a mythe10.
Twenty-two students were recruited and 19 completed the study (7 men and 12 women). The researchers measured stress and the severity of their acne outside and during exam periods. To be blameless, the trio of scientists used two evaluation of the severity of stress and acne perfectly validated scales. Adjusting their results based on other parameters (duration and quality of sleep, number and quality of meals, etc..), A link between perceived stress and severity of acne was highlighted. The more stressed students were also those with more marked worsening of their disease. A relationship with the decline in the quality of food (often prevalent during revision) was also noted.
Better deal with the approach of stress
This study did not report the behavior of students regarding their facial hygiene, the influence of menstrual cycles or Scratching their buttons. However, no student has reported a worsening of his appearance modeled on that rhythm.
In addition, the investigators were able, according to the authors, to differentiate the worsening severity of acne simple tampering. But acne is it the result or the cause of stress? For authors, the answer is clear: students are not concerned about their appearance during the examination, so it is stress that causes acne and not the reverse.
Such results can they have a practical interest in the treatment of this disease? Again, the authors answer in the affirmative saying that "behavioral approaches may be valid alternatives for patients, as well as therapeutic approaches could be adjusted to approach predictable times of stress."
