Stress and skin diseases. Overview using acne vulgaris as an example

Abstract

Stress is defined as the activation of complex physiological and psychological response mechanisms in situations that threaten physical as well as mental human homeostasis. Skin diseases and associated skin lesions can become a source of stress and psychological burden. Acne vulgaris affects appearance, which plays an important role in self-esteem, a person’s functioning in society, his or her psychological state, and quality of life. Stress is one of many factors considered in the etiopathogenesis of this dermatosis. Chronic stress hurts the condition of the skin because cortisol levels are increased, which inhibits the synthesis of collagen and proteins the skin’s building blocks. This study aimed to review the literature on the significance of stress in the onset and course of skin diseases, using acne vulgaris as an example. Due to the recurrent and chronic course of acne, treatment should be interdisciplinary, complemented by appropriate psychological care and effective methods of stress management, to increase the efficiency of dermatological therapy.