Stress management and acne treatments are solutions worth considering if you're looking for ways to eliminate stress-related pimples. Stress pimples, also known as stress acne, are aggravated breakouts caused by personal stress. Although stress doesn't directly cause acne, the two are interconnected. Here's more information on how to manage, treat, and prevent stress acne, along with when to consult a healthcare provider.
Symptoms of Stress Pimples
Research hasn't identified stress acne as different from regular acne. It can appear as:
- Blackheads: Enlarged pores clogged with oil or dead skin, forming a black spot due to oxygen exposure.
- Papules: Small red bumps caused by bacteria, oil, and dead skin entering deeper into the skin.
- Nodules or cysts: Deep, swollen breakouts caused by a buildup of oil, dead skin, and bacteria.
- Pimples: Swelling where bacteria have accumulated in a pore.
- Whiteheads: Raised white or flesh-colored blemishes caused by oil and dead skin.
- Pustules: Similar to papules, but with a yellow or white center containing fluid.
Can Stress Lead to Acne?
While stress is not a direct cause of acne, it is linked to worsening breakouts. A review of several acne studies found that emotional stress worsens acne for 50% to 80% of people. According to Dr. Angela Lamb, some individuals with acne-prone skin are more sensitive to stress-related breakouts. Hormonal fluctuations, such as an increase in cortisol and androgens (male sex hormones), are believed to trigger oil production and lead to acne during stress.
Other Causes of Acne
Although the exact cause of acne is unknown, it may result from:
- Bacterial growth
- Dead skin buildup
- Excessive oil production
How to Manage Stress Pimples
Recognizing stress as a factor in acne development is key to managing it. The first step to clearing stress acne is to reduce stress through activities like:
- Breathing exercises
- Getting enough sleep
- Meditation
- Reading
- Listening to music
- Walking
- Yoga or tai chi
Treatment options vary, with some people using cleansers containing,
For mild acne, a gentle cleanser paired with topical treatments like azelaic acid, dapsone, or clindamycin may be effective. Adding a low-strength topical retinoid (such as adapalene gel or tretinoin cream) may also help. The approach depends on how quickly someone wants their acne to clear up. According to Dr. Truong, treating the underlying stress is crucial.
Prevention
To prevent stress pimples, try to manage or reduce stress when possible. In general, you can help prevent acne by:
- Gently cleaning your skin without over-scrubbing.
- Keeping your hair off your face and avoiding touching your face.
- Avoiding picking, rubbing, or squeezing pimples.
- Removing makeup and washing your face before bed.
- Following a consistent acne treatment routine.
- Washing your face up to twice daily, especially after exercising.
Other Skin Conditions Triggered by Stress
Stress may also trigger or worsen skin conditions such as:
- Atopic dermatitis: A type of eczema with itchy, scaly rashes.
- Psoriasis: A condition causing irritated, red skin with whitish-silver scales.
- Rosacea: A disorder causing facial redness and acne-like sores.
When to Consult a Healthcare Provider
Contact a healthcare provider or dermatologist if you:
- Develop scarring from acne.
- Have acne that worsens or is painful.
- Experience emotional stress because of acne.
- Don't see results from self-care or over-the-counter treatments.
If you experience sudden breakouts without an obvious cause, it may be due to an infection or rash, such as folliculitis (an infection of hair follicles) or allergic contact dermatitis (a rash caused by an allergic reaction).
Seeing a mental health professional may also help with managing stress and stress-related acne.
A Brief Overview
While stress doesn't directly cause acne, it can worsen breakouts. To prevent stress acne, reduce stress when possible and explore treatments to manage it. Stress acne will usually resolve with time and treatment, but seek help from a dermatologist if it persists or worsens.
Reference:
www.health.com
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