How does stress eat up your nails and cause hair loss and skin problems?

There are many reasons why women lose their hair, but stress may be the main cause of unexplained hair loss.

While everyone knows that stress can negatively affect a person physically and psychologically, it can also lead to skin problems, such as acne, brittle nails or even hair loss.

Fleur Mayoral, MD, a dermatologist at the University of Miami School of Medicine, spoke to the American Academy of Dermatology 's Skin Academy about the most common external signs of stress on the skin, hair, and nails, and offered stress management tips for managing these symptoms.

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“During the treatment of hundreds of patients over the years with skin conditions such as eczema, acne and psoriasis, I have seen firsthand how stress can aggravate the skin and trigger unexpected episodes that further stress patients,” says Mayoral.

How does stress affect your skin?

When a person is stressed, the level of the stress hormone (cortisol) in the body rises. Which leads to increased oil production, which causes the appearance of oily skin problems and effects such as acne and other related skin problems.

He noted Dr. Mayoral that even those who are suffering from the skin is not affected by acne may be exposed to the appearance of acne associated with temporary tension due to increased oil production.

On the other hand, a study found that stress has a negative effect on the skin's protective barrier function, leading to water loss that hinders the skin's ability to repair itself after injury.

Stressed hair

There are many reasons why women lose their hair, but Dr. Mayoral believes that stress may be the main cause of unexplained hair loss. When someone is under stress, hair can go into the shedding phase.

Telogen effluvium is a very common problem that can occur for up to 3 months while exposed to stress or stress. Usually, hair needs 6 or 9 months to grow back.

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Life-changing events such as childbirth or surgery can also cause hair loss. The body may take a "timeout" from hair growth to focus on recovery and healing.

But what doctors warn of is that stress not only affects the skin and nails, but if not managed properly, some people may develop an ulcer, a heart attack, or lose their hair.

Effects of stress on nails

Some people usually resort to biting their nails when they are under stress. Physical or emotional stress can also cause white horizontal streaks across the nails. Besides brittle, scaly nails that appear as chipped layers, they are also a common side effect of stress.

How do you control stress?

Recognize the underlying problem that triggers your symptoms and develop skills to help reduce stress.

Exercise also helps release endorphins in the body, which can reduce stress.

Avoid showering with very hot water and use chemical-free soap. It is best to use soap with natural oils added, and moisturize your skin as soon as possible after showering.

Apply a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher daily to protect your skin from sun exposure.