Does stress really cause eczema?

Indeed, stress is a bodily adaptation mechanism, where the body does everything it can to overcome a situation. If stress becomes chronic, the body secretes a hormone, cortisol, which triggers a cascade of reactions that impact the skin, including:

• an increase in tissue acidity which contributes to depleting the body's mineral reserves (mainly bones, nails and teeth) and creates a favorable environment for the development of dermatoses such as eczema.

• an increase in the production of free radicals (i.e. oxidative stress).

• inflammation and vasodilation of blood vessels (example: redness).

• a weakening of the skin barrier by decreasing the synthesis of lipids, which are constituent molecules of the stratum corneum: the skin becomes drier and more irritable.

Stress is an aggravating factor in eczema, and it is often accompanied by other causes.

While heredity plays a role in approximately 50% of cases, eczema primarily manifests in an acidic environment and often follows inflammation of the digestive lining. Chemical irritants are aggravating factors, as is the misuse of cosmetics or unsuitable products. For example, creams that are too greasy or occlusive can worsen eczema. Particular attention should be paid to cosmetics, choosing products that are as natural as possible, with a minimum of ingredients, such as those offered by LABOTE.

Relaxation techniques such as cardiac coherence, yoga, tai chi, meditation, or sophrology are our best allies in case of stress because they allow us to relax the parasympathetic axis, to relax and ultimately to reduce the cortisol level.

Sophrology, which combines breathing, visualization and muscle relaxation, is also particularly suitable in cases of nervous eczema: it allows you to better resist stressful factors, to gain self-confidence and to better manage your emotions and stress.