Emotional allergy is a condition that appears when the body's defense cells react to situations that generate stress and anxiety, leading to changes in different body organs, especially the skin. Therefore, the symptoms of this type of allergy are more visible on the skin, such as itching, redness and the appearance of hives, however, shortness of breath and insomnia may appear.
The causes of emotional allergy are not well defined, but they can happen because stress and anxiety increase the production of some substances, called catecholamines, and cause the release of the hormone cortisol, which causes an inflammatory reaction in the body.
The treatment for this type of allergy is very similar to the treatment for other types of allergies and is based on the use of anti-allergy drugs. However, if the symptoms last for more than 15 days or worsen, it is recommended to have therapy with a psychologist and consult a dermatologist, who may prescribe other medications such as corticosteroids and medications to reduce anxiety. Check out some remedies used to relieve anxiety.
Main symptoms
The emotional allergy caused by stress and anxiety presents symptoms that vary from one person to another, depending on the age, the intensity of the feelings, the way the person behaves in the difficulties and the genetic predisposition, which can be:
- Itching; Redness on the skin; Red patches in high relief, known as hives; Shortness of breath; Insomnia.
Skin manifestations are the most common, as they have nerve endings that are directly linked to the feeling of stress and anxiety. And yet, people who have other types of illnesses like asthma, rhinitis, atopic dermatitis and psoriasis may also experience worsening symptoms or skin lesions because of emotional distress. Learn more about how to identify psoriasis.
How the treatment is done
Treatment for this type of allergy should be recommended by a dermatologist and usually consists of using antiallergic medications to relieve itching and redness of the skin, however, if the emotional allergy reactions last for more than two weeks and are very the doctor may recommend the use of oral corticosteroids or ointments with corticosteroids.
In addition, to assist in the treatment and generate better results, remedies to reduce anxiety and stress may be recommended, as well as leisure activities and psychotherapy sessions may be indicated. See more what psychotherapy is and how it is done.
Possible causes
The causes of emotional allergy are not yet well defined, but what is known is that feelings of stress and anxiety cause changes in the body, leading to the release of substances, called catecholamines, responsible for the inflammatory reaction in the skin.
Stress and anxiety cause the body's defense cells to react, leading to hypersensitivity of the immune system, which can be noticed by changes in the skin and worsening of the symptoms of other autoimmune diseases.
The release of the hormone cortisol, produced in times of stress, can also affect the skin, through the inflammatory process that it causes in the long run. Often, genetic predisposition can also generate symptoms of emotional allergy.
To help relieve the symptoms of emotional allergy, it is necessary to control stress and anxiety, here's how to do this:
