By Dr. Veronica Neumann
I hope everyone is surviving this cold winter in Seattle. The pandemic and snow have stressed many people out, and just a little stress can increase the cortisol levels in the body. Acute stressors help us to adapt upregulation and downregulation of the immune system, however, long-term psychological stress is associated with suppression of the immune system (Segerstrom & Miller, 2004). Other research indicates long-term mental stress can trigger inflammatory activity (Bosma-den Boer, van Wetten, & Pruimboom, 2012).
The skin shows immune responses in the body. If the immune system is suppressed and mental stress triggers inflammation, skin conditions can flare up.
Dr. Veronica is here to help you with your skin issues!
Suggested treatments
1. Self-care stress reduction at home
2. Biofeedback in-office with Dr. Veronica
3. Stress, inflammation, and hormone balancing treatments with Dr. Veronica
References
Bosma-den Boer, M., van Wetten, M.-L., & Pruimboom, L. (2012). Chronic inflammatory diseases are stimulated by current lifestyle: how diet, stress levels and medication prevent our body from recovering. Nutrition & Metabolism.
Segerstrom, S. C., & Miller, G. E. (2004). Psychological stress and the human immune system: a meta-analytic study of 30 years of inquiry. Psychological bulletin, 130(4), 601–630. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.130.4.601
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