Stress has long been recognized as a powerful factor affecting a person's physical health. One of its unexpected manifestations can be itchy skin, writes IZ. Many people feel that during nervous tension there is an irresistible desire to scratch the skin, even if there is no visible irritation or allergic reaction. Why does this happen? Let's look at the psychosomatic causes of this phenomenon.
Content
- How stress affects the skin
- Psychosomatic causes of itching
- Why does itching get worse at night?
- How to get rid of itching caused by stress
How stress affects the skin
The skin is the largest organ of our body, which is closely connected to the nervous system. It performs not only a protective but also a sensory function, responding to any changes in the body. When we experience stress, a large amount of cortisol and adrenaline is released into the blood – hormones that activate the “fight or flight” response.
Nervous tension leads to the following physiological changes:
- Increased sensitivity of nerve endings – skin receptors become more receptive, which can cause a sensation of itching.
- Impaired blood microcirculation – skin nutrition deteriorates, which can contribute to dryness and irritation.
- Decreased immune defenses – the body becomes less resistant to allergens and irritants, which can cause dermatitis.
- Increased production of histamine – this inflammatory mediator can cause allergic reactions even without contact with the allergen.
Psychosomatic causes of itching
Psychosomatics explains many incomprehensible symptoms in terms of a person's emotional state. Itchy skin can be caused by internal tension, fear, or suppressed emotions.
1. Hidden emotions and nervous tension
If a person often holds back their emotions, this can manifest itself through the body. In some cases, itching of the skin symbolizes the desire to “get rid” of internal discomfort. This is especially characteristic of people who do not allow themselves to openly express anger or resentment.
2. Anxiety and panic attacks
People with high anxiety often experience itching during times of emotional stress. It can appear suddenly and worsen during times of anxiety. In some cases, this turns into an obsessive habit of scratching the skin, which leads to microtrauma and inflammation.
3. Psychosomatic dermatitis
There are skin diseases that are directly related to a person's psychological state :
- Neurodermatitis – manifests itself as chronic itching, especially during periods of stress.
- Psoriasis – in many patients, exacerbation of the disease occurs after strong emotional experiences.
- Hives can be a reaction to severe nervous tension.
Why does itching get worse at night?
Many people find that itching becomes unbearable at night. This may be due to several factors:
- By reducing cortisol levels – during the day, this hormone helps control inflammatory reactions, but at night its levels drop, which can contribute to increased itching.
- The absence of distractions – when a person is busy with work, they pay less attention to discomfort, while at night the body becomes more sensitive to internal sensations.
- Overheating the body – warm air and a blanket can increase skin irritation.
How to get rid of itching caused by stress
To effectively combat the problem, it is necessary to work not only with the skin, but also with the root cause – nervous tension.
Methods of dealing with stress
- Breathing practices and meditation help reduce cortisol levels and relax the nervous system.
- Physical activity – promotes the production of endorphins, which naturally reduce stress.
- Working with a psychologist – cognitive behavioral therapy can help you find the source of your stress and change the way you respond to stressful situations.
- A full night's sleep helps the body recover faster after emotional stress.
Skin care
- Using soothing creams with panthenol, aloe vera, or chamomile.
- Avoid aggressive cosmetics and products with alcohol, which can dry out the skin.
- Control the humidity level in the room, especially in winter.
- Drinking enough water to maintain skin elasticity and health.
As a reminder, we previously wrote about why the inside of the ear itches and when you should see a doctor.