Skin Irritation Due To Stress

Stress and anxiety can cause irritation due to skin such as skin itching and rashes and can also worsen existing skin conditions. Stress also can trigger certain types of skin outbreaks such as acne. It can be hard to avoid stress at times, but people can ease the effects through various health-oriented methods. Some stress-induced skin irritation can be relieved with topical treatment

Symptoms

• There are various symptoms of skin irritation due to stress. People with stress-induced skin irritation may have dryness, itchy skin or an outbreak of spots or a rash. These symptoms can go hand-in-hand with an unusually hectic work schedule, personal difficulties, a poor diet, lack of sleep or environmental stress factors.

Effects

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  Skin irritation due to stress has various effects. Stress raises hormone levels, which can create acne, and it can also worsen rosacea, which is characterized by dilated blood vessels and facial redness. Cold sores also can occur as a result of stress. Stress can trigger or worsen episodes of psoriasis, which causes red scaly patches. It also can lead to outbreaks of atopic dermatitis, or eczema, with symptoms of extremely dry and itchy skin. Stress can trigger an incidence of hives, a skin rash that may occur with a fever and general malaise. In addition, stress aggravates certain conditions that cause rashes, such as gluten sensitivity.

Further Symptoms

• There are many more symptoms of skin irritation due to stress. Since stress and anxiety can make skin more sensitive and dry, this can lead to negative reactions, such as a rash, to skin care products that never caused problems before. Temporarily discontinuing use of the product should solve the problem.

Stress Treatment

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  Stress can cause other physical and mental issues as well, such as weight gain or weight loss, depression, sleep deprivation and problems with relationships. At the least, people undergoing stress should eat a well-balanced diet and take a vitamin and mineral supplement. A daily walk or some other physical activity is beneficial, too. Aromatherapy is soothing, as is listening to favorite music. Massage, hugs, talking with somebody--all can help.

Immediate Solutions

• A more immediate solution to stress-induced skin irritation is to apply topical treatments. An over-the-counter 1 percent hydrocortisone cream can work very well for some problems, and if not, a 2.5 percent prescription treatment may do the trick. calamine lotion, with the active ingredient zinc oxide, works for some people. Other anti-itch gels are available as well. Taking baths with 2 cups of finely-ground oatmeal, like Aveeno or home-ground oatmeal, added to the water can reduce symptoms. Adding 1 cup of baking soda to bath water also may reduce itching. 

7 Skin Care Tips for Men

Nearly half of the men questioned said they would shave more often if the process were less irritating to their skin. Read on to find out what Rick Ricci, owner of Truefitt and Hill Spa for Men in Toronto, has to say about caring for your skin comfortably this season.

Find out how to keep your skin from drying out this winter. Skin care tips for men are as follows:

1. Cleanse Your Skin

For most men, skin tends to get oily throughout the day in certain areas, even in winter. Excess oil can stick to the skin and block the pores, preventing your razor from gliding along the skin smoothly. So before you shave, wash your face with water and facial soap to make sure there is no blockage.

2. Get Ready for Shaving

Before you pull out the razor, Ricci suggests splashing your face with warm water after you cleanse it, which will open up the pores. Then apply a light layer of pre-shaving cream, gel or mousse to keep the skin moist and warm. The smoother the skin, the closer the shave.

3. Multitask for a Better Shave

Another way to simplify shaving is to do it in the shower. Not only is it a time-saver, the humidity of your shower will keep your skin moist and your pores open and even make the hair softer and easier to remove.

4. Follow Your Hair Growth

According to Ricci, the popular belief that shaving against the direction of hair growth is better is not necessarily true. Shaving in this way can actually cause irritation and can also damage the hair. For a more comfortable shave, move in the same direction as the growth of the hair.

5. Choose the Right Razor

The fifth point in Skin care tips for men is about Razors. Razors can be single- or multi-blade. If you like to spend as little time as possible shaving, you can go for a razor with three or five blades. The important thing to remember is that you should be comfortable with your razor and not apply too much pressure, as this can cause irritation.

6. Take Your Time

Skin gets damaged more easily if you make swift movements with your razor or apply your creams too quickly. Give yourself enough time to shave in the morning and allow a few minutes between washing, applying pre-shaving cream and shaving.

7. Use Moisturizer Day and Night

Applying cream to your skin day and night will keep it hydrated, allowing for a smoother shave. Moisturizing will also help prevent cuts and irritation. Look for moisturizers with natural hydrating ingredients like vitamin E, shea butter or essential oils.