Stress and urticaria

The name hives, also called urticaria, is derived from the Latin term for stinging nettle (Urtica), as the symptoms of this disease are very similar to those that occur after skin contact with this plant.This leads to an excessive release of histamine, which increases the permeability of the blood vessels and thus leads to water retention in the skin. In addition to these wheals, affected persons usually have red, very itchy skin rashes, which they find less itchy by pinching or pressing their fingernails. The causes of this increased release can be both an allergic reaction and external factors such as heat, cold, light, friction and pressure. It is considered certain that stress has a reinforcing effect on the course of the disease. However, the connection between stress and the development of the disease is still unclear.

Stress and psoriasis

Psoriasis is characterized by highly reddened, scaly and sometimes extremely itchy skin irritations. These are usually located on the extensor sides of large joints, such as the knee joint or elbow joint, but sometimes also on the navel or scalp. The dandruff is formed due to a disorder in the skin renewal process, which is usually greatly accelerated.

If the scales fall off, the underlying skin appears, which is more strongly supplied with blood and therefore appears reddish. This is particularly sensitive and is usually injured when itching is present, which is why bleeding often occurs. This disease can occur more frequently in families, since genetic factors can also play a role in the development of the disease.

However, it can also develop spontaneously through various trigger factors, usually in the second decade of life. These external stimuli include stress as well as certain infections, hormonal changes or immune deficiency. Those affected usually suffer less from the rashes themselves, they show much more psychological stress. They often suffer from feelings of inferiority and social isolation, which in turn promotes the development of stress and has a negative effect on the course of the disease.