Psychophysiological disorders and the skin

Abstract

The interaction between the mind, skin, and body is well studied lately and many studies focus on the multiple mechanisms between them that affects skin health. From psychology, psychoneuroimmunology, and immunology, to psychophysiological and inflammation, there are many issues to consider for the brain–skin cross-interaction. Altered balance or activation of the neuroendocrine-immune system triggers a cascade of events that allow the so-called fight–flight reaction that influences several skin diseases, as a risk factor for developing a dermatological disease or disease flares. Psychosocial stressors change the responses of neuroactive substances that regulates the immune system. Research focuses on study of several influencers like neuroendocrine mediators (corticotrophin-releasing factor, substance P, adrenocorticotrophic hormone, glucocorticoids, and catecholamines), pro-inflammatory cytokines (IFN-g, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, IL-13), the activity of mast cells, NK cells or dendritic cells in the skin. The conditions exacerbated by psychological factors and stress are seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, acne, rosacea, atopic dermatitis, urticaria, zona zoster, herpes simplex, neurodermatitis, hyperhidrosis, allodynia.