Stress is often thought of as a mental or emotional burden, but its effects are deeply physical, and our skin is one of the first places it can appear. Researchers and clinicians are increasingly recognising the strong association between the nervous system and skin, which is referred to as the skin-brain axis. It is a two-way flow of communication, which explains why chronic stress may induce or increase inflammatory skin diseases such as eczema and psoriasis.
According to our expert, Dr Ruben Bhasin Passi, Consultant Dermatologist at CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, chronic stress disrupts immune balance, hormone regulation, and inflammatory pathways, all of which directly affect skin health. Flare-ups are not superficial to many patients, but stress-fuelled.
Here’s what happens to your skin with chronic stress and why eczema and psoriasis typically flare up when you are going through emotionally stressful times, through the lens of an expert.
What Is the Skin–Brain Axis?
The nervous system, immune signals and hormonal pathways link the skin and brain, and both the organs develop from the same embryonic layer. This relationship helps emotional and psychological stress cause biological responses in the skin.
Whenever the brain interprets stress, the stress response system is activated, and cortisol and other stress hormones are released. It helps in the short term, but once stress becomes chronic, the chemicals start to cause dysregulation of the immune system and inflammation, undermining the skin barrier and making it very sensitive.
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How Chronic Stress Triggers Skin Inflammation
Prolonged stress activates a pro-inflammatory condition in the body. According to Dr Passi, this results in:
Stress and Eczema: Why Flare-Ups Follow Emotional Strain
Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is strongly influenced by stress levels. Most patients complain of worsening itching, redness and irritation when under stress, deprived of sleep or when overwhelmed with emotional stress. Stress is a causative factor of eczema in that it:
- Weakening the skin barrier
- Increasing itch perception
- Activating immune overreaction
- Breaking sleep, which also increases inflammation
Psoriasis and Stress: A Known Trigger
Psoriasis is an inflammatory disease of immune predetermination, and one of the most well-reported triggers of this disease is stress. Flare-ups often follow major life events, chronic work pressure, or emotional trauma.
In case of chronic stress, the immune cells are over-activated and enhance the process of skin cell turnover, the disease characteristic of psoriasis plaques. The stress hormones also interfere with immune signalling, and thus, treatment response is slow in very stressed individuals.
According to Dr Passi, stress management has helped many patients with psoriasis to improve their lives.
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Role of Cortisol in Skin Damage
Cortisol is the primary stress hormone that plays a complex role. Although temporary cortisol may help to reduce inflammation, chronic cortisol raises immune homeostasis and ruins the skin structure. Over time, high cortisol can:
- Thin the skin barrier
- Increase water loss
- Delay wound healing
- Increase infection risk
- Increased inflammatory reactions
Visible Stress Signals on the Skin
Other than eczema and psoriasis, chronic stress may manifest itself in other forms, such as:
- Increased dryness and sensitivity
- Frequent rashes
- Acne flare-ups
- Hives
- Delayed healing
- Burning pain or stinging pain
Managing Stress to Calm Skin Conditions
Dr Passi stated that to effectively control eczema and psoriasis, a two-factor approach must be used where the skin and stress response are treated simultaneously. A few expert-approved helpful strategies include:
- Regular sleep schedules
- Breathing or mindfulness practices
- Physical activity
- Therapy or counselling
- Practices of relaxation, such as yoga or meditation
- Regular skin treatment and care
Bottomline
When the skin-brain axis causes chronic stress, the skin-brain axis may be the underlying cause of your eczema or psoriasis flaring, even when you cannot identify the trigger.
FAQ
1. Does stress cause eczema or psoriasis?
They may not be caused by stress; however, they can be highly triggered or worsened by stress.
2. Why does it itch when I am anxious?
Stress leads to nerve hypersensitivity and inflammatory cues, which enhance itch sensation.
3. Is stress management going to develop better treatment outcomes?
Yes. Management of stress tends to enhance medical and skincare treatment response.
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Disclaimer
Tanya brings about four years of experience in health and wellness journalism. She covers fitness, nutrition, women’s health, wellness, and emerging trends, with bylines in Times of India, Femina, Filmfare, and ETHealthshots. Tanya’s work blends engaging storytelling with credible sources to keep readers informed and inspired.
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We work with experts and keep a close eye on the latest in health and wellness. Whenever there is a new research or helpful information, we update our articles with accurate and useful advice.
Current Version
Feb 11, 2026 15:27 IST
Published By : Tanya Srivastava
Reviewed By : Dr Ruben Bhasin Passi
