Skin Irritations Due to Depression or Stress

Certain mental-health conditions---including depression, anxiety or generalized stress---can cause a raft of skin problems. These skin problems can result from excess hormones being released in the body, throwing the body's metabolic, immune and other systems off kilter. If you're undergoing a mood disorder, it's helpful to know if depression or stress may be linked to any skin problems you're also experiencing.

Acne

• Acne is connected to stress, and presents itself as inflamed pustules, blackheads, whiteheads and cysts on the skin. Although acne is most commonly associated with the face, it can appear on the back, chest or elsewhere on the body. Acne can be treated using skin-care creams, lotions and toners, as well as by relaxing your mind and taking measures to promote a healthier emotional life. This will allow the body to balance out the stress levels, diminishing the amount of hormones surging through the body and resulting in fewer oils being produced. In the long run, this will result in fewer acne breakouts.

Eczema

• Eczema is an allergic skin condition that causes the skin to become itchy, red and scaly. Eczema rashes typically appear where there are creases on the skin, such as the insides of the elbows, behind the knees or in the creases of the abdomen. When your stress levels are high, eczema can become worse, and certain foods---including wheat, dairy products and eggs---can trigger or exacerbate the condition.

Psoriasis

• Psoriasis is a skin condition that is very closely related to anxiety and depression, and appears as silvery, itchy scales that typically affect the scalp, neck, chest, elbows and knees. Psoriasis can worsen during periods of high stress, such as a move, a death in the family, or starting a new job, and can also become worse during bouts of depression. Meditation and other relaxation techniques can help reduce the severity of psoriasis outbreaks.

Hives

• Hive are typically caused by severe allergic reactions to foods, chemicals or other substances, but can also result from excess cortisol in the system, which is released during periods of depression or stress. Hives are characterized by the appearance of fluid-filled blisters on the skin that can be itchy and red, and are often found on the torso, neck, arms or face. Again, meditation, yoga and other stress-relieving techniques can help lessen the severity and frequency of hives.

Rosacea

• Rosacea looks similar to acne, but is actually an autoimmune condition that manifests around the nose and cheeks as red and inflamed patchy areas. Because rosacea is affected by the immune system, reducing your stress levels will improve rosacea significantly. Also, strengthen your body's immune responses by taking probiotics, vitamin C, zinc, selenium and echinacea.