Stress & Psoriasis

[Forest Walker]

Around the late fall of 2022, I came to understand a family relationship differently and was able to set down what had been a long-standing burden in my way of viewing life.  That resolution brought me unexpected peace and also unexpected improvement in my patches of rashy areas.  My skin began to heal a bit, improve a bit on its own.

And it has stayed pretty good.

During the time of pneumonia recovery in early 2023 when I wasn't skating, my lower ankles and feet were doing better.  Friction from the skate boot and sweat was halted.  Now that I'm skating again, that area of skin is more activated for patches.  

When a little stress comes along, skin still flares up a bit.  But overall, the change has been for the better since late 2022.  

I saw my dermatologist, yesterday.  She thought my skin was looking better than the last time she'd seen me.  She said she hears about stress and skin from her patients often.  

I don't know how to overcome stressful situations in life.  But it's interesting that the skin is so sensitive to stressors.  

How do you deal with stress?  Have you ever had improvement in your skin when you've resolved a stressful matter?

[Caroline]

I thought everyone, certainly all dermatologists, knew that stress is a very important factor in psoriasis.
At least over here they know that very well.

I am convinced of it myself, and I suspect that too much stress in a period of my life, has caused psoriasis to kick in with me.

Also I try to avoid stress as much as possible, but that is not always possible.

[Fred]

Yes same as Caroline it's well known that stress plays a huge role in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

But we are all different and something like getting mad over your car breaking down can cause a flare, others can relish some stressful situations and enjoy the challenge. So fixing the car may make you feel good.

Having not worked sice I was 48 I don't get a lot of stress, my parents and sister passing was probably the worst but I knew it was going to happen. But when I was working and running  my own business I could often get stressed and the flare up would come, but you just have to learn to calm down.

For each negative in life I always try to find a positive to counteract it, it's not always easy and that is when I will just be grateful for being alive. 

The biggest tip is try to avoid stress, but if you do get stressed get the problem that is causing it over and out of the way as soon as you can whilst at the same time add some nice moments in your stressful day.

But like I said "we are all different" you just have to try and tame it.

 

[BigA1988]

I've recently been trying vagus nerve exercises. There's many on YouTube and the like. And they have helped me a lot, with sleep, anxiety and depression.

[Turnedlight]

I first got psoriasis at a time of high stress - going away to university.
My second big flare was when I found you guys - it was a very stressful period and my skin was terrible.
I think there’s definitely a link but it doesn’t seem to mean at other times when things are calmer, the psoriasis goes away.

[Forest Walker]

I've recently been trying vagus nerve exercises. There's many on YouTube and the like. And they have helped me a lot, with sleep, anxiety and depression.

I've not heard of this before.  I'll look into it.  Thanks.

[Forest Walker]

I first got psoriasis at a time of high stress - going away to university.
My second big flare was when I found you guys - it was a very stressful period and my skin was terrible.
I think there’s definitely a link but it doesn’t seem to mean at other times when things are calmer, the psoriasis goes away.

I think so, too.  This forum has helped me so much!

[Raxyl]

I find stress is a key driver of my P too, I had my worst flair ups following major events in my life.

[Kat]

It's one thing that I'm not sure affects mine. There's been some stressful times since my psoriasis. My mother passing, Mr Kat's employer selling out, oldest granddaughter leaving and cutting contact and yet I don't think any of that caused a flare up. And the flare ups I have had haven't seemed to have any reason like stress, change in diet, other health issues, etc. Now that's not saying there wasn't any and I just don't remember it, but I do remember expecting a time or two due to being really stressed out that my psoriasis would flare up and it didn't. My blood pressure however does seem to climb.