Doctors have recognized the link between stress and psoriasis for centuries. The connection has also been proven in clinical studies. One publication reported that "research findings suggest that the mind and body act on each other in often remarkable ways…[and that] investigators are demonstrating that emotional states can translate into altered responses in the immune system." Since psoriasis is a disease of the immune system, it is not surprising that emotional factors play an important role.
How does it work? Scientists found that people with psoriasis (compared to other people) have a greater number of nerves in their skin that release substances called "neuropeptides." These are chemical messengers that help transmit nerve impulses.
The neuropeptides found in psoriasis lesions are similar to the neuropeptides in the brain that are altered by stress. Researchers believe that these stress-altered neuropeptides help trigger or aggravate psoriasis.
Clinical studies vary regarding the percentage of people with psoriasis whose symptoms are affected by stress. Findings range from 40% to 80%. One study found that 39% of patients recalled a specific stress occurring within 1 month of their first attack of symptoms. Research also suggests that children are even more susceptible. As many as 90% of these younger patients may be affected by stress.
The kind of stress that triggers or makes symptoms worse differs from person to person. For example, family problems, financial worries, or even a positive event like the birth of a new child may affect the course of psoriasis.
Fortunately, experience and medical science offer ways to manage stress:
- Recognizing stress can help. One study found that people who could identify the stressful event that triggered their psoriasis did the best in coping with the condition.
- Learn what times and situations make psoriasis worse for you. By avoiding major commitments during these circumstances, you can feel less stress.
- Help make your personal relationships less stressful by enlisting the support of your family, friends, and coworkers and talking to them about how psoriasis affects you.
- There are a variety of stress-reduction techniques that your physician can recommend. These include meditation, yoga, support groups, hypnosis, self-hypnosis, progressive relaxation exercises, and visual imagery. Work with your doctor to determine which may work best for you.
- Biofeedback may also be an effective stress reduction technique. In one study, 64% of people who received biofeedback training had a decrease in psoriasis severity and had fewer recurrences in the year that followed.
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