Stress factors in dermatology

The changes occurring in the skin as a result of stress are initially physiological and temporary. However, if repeated frequently enough, they eventually become permanent and so pathological. It has been estimated that, in 34 per cent of cases of dermatological disease, stress was the precipitating factor. Dermatological stress disorders can be classified into the following: exclusively emotional; partly organic and partly psychological; emotional predisposing, perpetuating or precipitating factors; and unsightly diseases affecting the psyche. Pruritus is an important factor in many diseases, since it produces the itch-scratch vicious cycle. No matter what the cause of the itch, the current emotional state, including anxiety, tension and fear, are factors which influence it.