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Stress and atopic dermatitis

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Abstract

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a complex disease traditionally involving interaction of genetic, environmental, and immunologic factors. Recent studies suggest psychoneuro-immunologic factors and emotional stress are important in its evolution. The observations that internal (bacterial infections) or external (psychologic) stressors may induce AD flares is explained by studies showing that stress impairs the skin barrier function and favors a shift in immunity toward a T helper type 2 cell/allergic response. Furthermore, those with AD appear to have an inherited hypothalamic deficiency that impairs normal hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function. Neuropeptides released in the skin may also mediate neurogenic inflammation, including mast cell degranulation. AD causes significant stress and impaired quality of life in patients and their family members. Psychologic and stress-reduction interventions were recently shown to improve patient well-being, and to significantly improve cutaneous manifestations.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Dermatology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Box 697, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA

    Francisco Tausk

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  1. Jenna Arndt
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  2. Nananamibia Smith
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  3. Francisco Tausk
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Correspondence to Francisco Tausk.

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Arndt, J., Smith, N. & Tausk, F. Stress and atopic dermatitis. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep 8, 312–317 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11882-008-0050-6

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