Does Cortisol Cause Eczema? How Stress Impacts Your Skin

Cortisol is a hormone that your adrenal glands produce in response to stress. However, excessive cortisol might suppress the immune system and cause inflammatory skin conditions. If so, does high cortisol cause eczema?

Yes. While cortisol doesn't directly cause eczema, elevated levels can trigger flare-ups on eczema-prone skin. Notably, according to the National Library of Medicine, “the mean cortisol level was found to increase approximately nine times in stressful periods compared with relaxed periods”. This also illustrates a potential eczema-related connection between cortisol and stress.

This blog will explain how cortisol impacts eczema and suggest helpful tips for control. Keep reading to learn more!

The Connection between Stress and Eczema

An Atopic Eczema in Adulthood and Risk of Depression and Anxiety study shows that “individuals affected with atopic eczema are more likely to develop new depression (14% increased incidence) and anxiety (17% increased incidence).” Stress is also considered one of the common triggers of eczema flare-ups. Despite that, further evaluations are needed to understand the full link between eczema and stress.

1. Fight-Or-Flight Response

When you stress out, your body requires a “fight-or-flight” response to regulate your body’s stress level. This process can release more stress hormones, either cortisol or epinephrine. If you don’t know how to control the level of these hormone productions, your body might suffer from inflammatory responses - potentially causing eczema flare-ups.

2. Cytokines

The Psychology of Atopic Dermatitis suggests that high levels of circulating pro-inflammatory cytokines can trigger central nervous system events like oxidative stress. Cytokines are small proteins that control the development of blood cells and affect immune responses. It’s important to understand that cytokines may play a role in linking stress and eczema.

3. The Immune System

“Psychological stress can dysregulate the human immune system,” a Current Directions in Stress and Human Immune Function study reports. Typically, stress can cause negative changes in the immune system, including reducing the number of white blood cells, impairing antibody production, and increasing inflammation.

4. Other Triggers Of Eczema

The answer to “Does cortisol cause eczema?” is still unclear because cortisol is a stress hormone that nearly triggers eczema flare-ups without any direct impacts. Besides that, there are other eczema triggers that you should be aware of, including:

Allergens and irritants
Changes in temperature and humidity
Skin infections and damage
Hormonal changes
Red and dry skin

How to Manage Stress to Improve Skin Health?

Managing stress levels can help improve skin health, reduce inflammation, and prevent eczema flare-ups. Below are several measurable methods that you should consider.

1. Do Exercise

Exercise can help release endorphin hormones, which can improve mood. This makes it one of the most effective measures to combat stress, depression, and other negative emotions.

When it comes to exercise, the American Heart Association suggests, “Adults should perform at least 150–300 min/wk of moderate-intensity, 75–150 min/wk of vigorous-intensity.” However, it’s better to be flexible, depending on your health and medical history.

2. Sleep Enough

Sleep can strengthen your overall health, including skin health. When you get enough sleep, your skin can repair itself and regenerate new cells to improve its barrier functions. It’s recommended to sleep 7-9 hours every night for the best performance. Sleeping in a relaxing environment can also promote your quality of sleep.

3. Take Care Of Your Skin

Maintaining a proper skincare routine can help nourish the skin’s natural cells and prevent eczema flare-ups. You can start using moisture-balancing products. However, some products contain allergens that might worsen chronic skin conditions. It is best to consult your healthcare professional for proper advice.

To improve allergic symptoms, try Phoilex’s fragrance-free skin products. These options can benefit skin health by offering more gentle improvements on the skin and enhancing the immune system.

4. Relax

Some simple relaxation techniques, like deep breathing or meditation, can help improve your mental health. You can add these techniques daily to reach a better lifestyle.

When Should You Seek Support from a Doctor?

While the question 'Does cortisol cause eczema?' does not have a simple yes or no answer, it is essential to contact a doctor before using any cortisol-related treatments or if you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms:

Severe skin damage caused by eczema;
Over-the-counter medications are not effective;
Stress-controlling methods don’t work;
The body is under a high level of stress;
Frequent flare-ups and severe itching occur on the skin.

Phoilex is Ideal for Eczema-Friendly Care!

Phoilex currently provides gentle, yet highly effective skincare products that contain natural anti-inflammatory and hydrating properties. They can help soothe itchy skin and strengthen your elimination organs’ health. In particular:

Active ReLeaf Spot Gel is a steroid-free cream with various healthy ingredients, such as a Phyto-Active Blend, Triple Vitamin D3, and Colloidal Oatmeal. Rub this cream daily or as needed.
Liverty Dynamic Drops is a daily tincture that can address inflammation and relieve stress. Place 1 mL under the tongue every day to reach optimal results.

Our blog has clarified the question, “Does high cortisol cause eczema?” and the connection between stress and eczema. While we recommend managing cortisol levels through stress reduction techniques, you should consult a doctor to follow proper treatments.

Visit Phoilex’s website today to learn more about improving your eczema-prone skin and taking the first step towards healthier skin.

FAQs

Q: Does high cortisol directly cause eczema?
A: While cortisol doesn't directly cause eczema, elevated cortisol levels can trigger flare-ups in people who are already prone to eczema. Research shows that cortisol levels can increase up to nine times during stressful periods compared to relaxed periods, which can suppress the immune system and lead to inflammatory skin responses.

Q: How does stress affect eczema symptoms?
A: Stress triggers the body's "fight-or-flight" response, which releases stress hormones like cortisol and epinephrine that can cause inflammatory responses in the skin. Additionally, stress can dysregulate the immune system and increase the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, potentially leading to eczema flare-ups.

Q: What is the connection between cytokines and eczema?
A: Cytokines are small proteins that control blood cell development and immune responses, playing a crucial role in linking stress to eczema symptoms. High levels of circulating pro-inflammatory cytokines can trigger central nervous system events like oxidative stress, which may contribute to eczema flare-ups.

Q: Is there a link between eczema and mental health conditions?
A: Research shows that individuals with atopic eczema have a 14% higher risk of developing depression and a 17% higher risk of developing anxiety. This connection demonstrates the significant impact that eczema can have on mental health and vice versa.

Q: How does the immune system response to stress affect eczema?
A: Psychological stress can significantly dysregulate the immune system, reducing its effectiveness and potentially triggering inflammatory skin responses. This immune system disruption can make existing eczema worse and increase the likelihood of flare-ups during stressful periods.

Q: Can managing stress levels help control eczema symptoms?
A: Managing stress levels can be an effective way to reduce eczema flare-ups since stress is a known trigger for the condition. Stress management techniques can help regulate cortisol levels and improve immune system function, potentially leading to better control of eczema symptoms.

References:

Cay, M. (2018). The Effect of Cortisol Level Increasing Due to Stress in Healthy Young Individuals on Dynamic and Static Balance Scores. Northern Clinics of Istanbul, 5(4). https://doi.org/10.14744/nci.2017.42103
Schonmann, Y., Mansfield, K. E., Hayes, J. F., Abuabara, K., Roberts, A., Smeeth, L., & Langan, S. M. (2020). Atopic Eczema in Adulthood and Risk of Depression and Anxiety: A Population-Based Cohort Study. The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. In Practice, 8(1), 248-257.e16. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaip.2019.08.030
Courtney, A., & Su, J. C. (2024). The Psychology of Atopic Dermatitis. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 13(6), 1602. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13061602
Morey, J. N., Boggero, I. A., Scott, A. B., & Segerstrom, S. C. (2015). Current directions in stress and human immune function. Current Opinion in Psychology, 5(1), 13–17. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.copsyc.2015.03.007
American Heart Association. (2024, January 19). American Heart Association recommendations for physical activity in adults and kids. American Heart Association. https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/fitness-basics/aha-recs-for-physical-activity-in-adults