October 28th, 2008

Reports WGAL-TV:

“Stress causes a reaction in the skin that can cause you to itch, according to research in Germany.

A report in the American Journal of Pathology says that white blood cells, which form part of the barrier to bacteria and viruses, can overreact, causing inflammatory diseases such as dermatitis and psoriasis.

Stress can trigger an outbreak, according to a news release.

Researchers said it may happen when stress causes the body to increase the number of immune cells in the skin. They found that mice subjected to sound stress had more while blood cells in their skin.

They were also able to test two proteins that attack white blood cells in the skin. When those proteins were blocked, the mice did not show stress reactions.

Researchers said that knowledge could lead to future treatments for people who are at risk of skin problems during tense times.”