Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis, Hair, And Sebum: Stress-Mediated Dermatologic Disasters Of The Pandemic Era

    September 2025 in “ Cosmoderma
    Krupa Sara Thomas, Abhishek Shanmukha Sai Ponnuri, Shyma K. Latheef, M Otim, Neha Mohammed Sabu
    TLDR Pandemic stress worsens hair loss and skin issues, suggesting combined mental and skin care treatments.
    The COVID-19 pandemic has intensified stress-related dermatological issues, particularly through the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, leading to increased cases of telogen effluvium, alopecia areata, and other skin conditions. Stress hormones disrupt hair follicle cycles and increase sebum production, worsening these conditions. The article suggests using hair cortisol concentration as a biomarker for chronic stress and highlights the potential of cognitive behavioral therapy and precision therapies, like stem cell-based hair regeneration, in managing these issues. It advocates for a psychoneuroendocrine-informed approach to diagnosis and treatment, integrating mental health techniques with dermatological care to address the rising prevalence of psychosomatic dermatological diseases.
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