We assume that itchy skin is simply a dermatology problem. Scientists know there is a strong connection between itching and the psyche, but we needed more research. (1) Now new research shows that itchy skin is significantly associated with suicidal ideation, depression, and stress. (2)
Itchy Skin Conditions And Mental Health
Dermatologist Florence J. Dalgard from Lund University in Sweden and her colleagues completed a cross-sectional study across chronic skin disorders. They looked at data from thousands of patients with skin issues in 13 European countries. In total, 3,500 patients underwent physical exams and answered questionnaires about their socio-economic background and their mental health. Additionally, a control group of 1,300 patients without any skin conditions also answered the questions. (2)
Researchers analyzed the data and found associations between skin conditions, itching, and mood disorders. 14% of patients with skin conditions and itchy skin had depression. The number lowered to 5% for those without itchy skin. About 6% of the control group without skin conditions but had itchy skin had depression. (2)
Anxiety had a similar trend: 21.4% of patients with skin conditions & itching had anxiety. Patients without itching dropped to 12.3%, and 8% of the control group had anxiety. Suicide ideation was also higher in patients with itching at 15% than in patients without at 9%. It was also higher in the control group with itch at 18.6% than controls without at 8.6%. (2)
It doesn’t prove that one condition causes the other, but it does demonstrate an association. The researchers suggested that skin conditions are the cause of itching, but this effect might lead to mental health problems. (2)
What Is The Itchy Skin and Mental Health Link?
Dalgard and colleagues believe that the link between itchy skin conditions and mental health problems is skin inflammation. Itch is connected to skin inflammation, which induces the serotonin network in the brain and leads to depression & anxiety. They need to do more research to prove this hypothesis, but there is an established link. (2)
Dalgard and colleagues recommend that these findings inform patient treatment. Dermatology physicians should work with physicians in mental health disciplines to reduce symptoms before serious mental health problems develop. (2)
Managing Itchy Skin Conditions And Mental Health
There is an entire field of study called pyschodermatology or pyschocutaneous dermatology. Dr. Ted. Grossbart says that people who come to the doctor for a skin condition often have a psychological problem that can affect the treatment and how well it works. He says the goal is not to treat skin conditions just with psychotherapy, but to recognize there might be emotional factors involved. (3)
Understanding the mind-skin connection and the mind-body connection can help manage both skin conditions the emotions and mental health disorders associated with it. Mind-body techniques can help reduce anxiety and stress and improve the immune system.
Harvard Health suggests (3):
- hypnosis – visit a trained professional or practice self-hypnosis through meditation, relaxation, or focused-breathing
- relaxation and meditation – well-known counteract to the effects of stress
- psychotherapy – visit a trained professional
- medication – may be recommended to manage moods and skin conditions
Most importantly, if this is your experience, speak to your doctor about your symptoms. The more we talk about it, the more awareness we can bring to the connection between the body and the mind.
