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

hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis HPA axis telogen effluvium alopecia areata stress hormones hair follicle cycles sebum production hair cortisol concentration cognitive behavioral therapy stem cell-based hair regeneration psychoneuroendocrine hair loss stress-related hair loss hair cortisol CBT stem cell hair treatment

Studysummary This study highlights how the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated stress-related dermatological issues like acne and hair loss by affecting skin and hair cycles through stress hormones, emphasizing the need for comprehensive psychoneuroendocrine-informed approaches to diagnosis and treatment.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

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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