Neuroimmunology of Stress: Skin Takes Center Stage

July 2006 in “ Journal of Investigative Dermatology ”

Petra C. Arck, Andrzej Slominski, Theoharis C. Theoharides, Eva M.J. Peters, Ralf Paus

alopecia areata chronic dermatitis CRH cortisol catecholamines neurogenic inflammation hair growth NGF SP mast cells hair loss stress hormones nerve growth factor substance P

TLDR Stress can worsen skin and hair conditions by affecting the skin's immune response and hormone levels.

The document from 2006 reviews the connection between the brain and skin, particularly how stress affects the skin's immune and neuroendocrine systems, potentially exacerbating skin diseases and conditions like alopecia areata and chronic dermatitis. It explains that the skin has its own local stress response system, producing stress hormones and mediators such as CRH, cortisol, and catecholamines, which can lead to neurogenic inflammation and impaired hair growth. The paper also discusses a study using a murine model that showed chronic psychological stress could inhibit hair growth through mechanisms involving NGF, SP, and mast cells. The findings underscore the importance of further research into the brain-skin axis to develop treatments for stress-related skin and hair disorders.

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Research cited in this study

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The Role of Melatonin in Neuroectodermal-Mesodermal Interactions: The Hair Follicle Synthesizes Melatonin and Expresses Functional Melatonin Receptors

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research Stress Inhibits Hair Growth in Mice by Inducing Premature Catagen Development and Harmful Perifollicular Inflammatory Events via Neuropeptide Substance P-Dependent Pathways

194 citations, March 2003 in “American Journal of Pathology”

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Indications for a Brain-Hair Follicle Axis: Inhibition of Keratinocyte Proliferation and Up-Regulation of Keratinocyte Apoptosis in Telogen Hair Follicles by Stress and Substance P

research Indications for a Brain-Hair Follicle Axis: Inhibition of Keratinocyte Proliferation and Up-Regulation of Keratinocyte Apoptosis in Telogen Hair Follicles by Stress and Substance P

125 citations, September 2001 in “The FASEB Journal”

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