TLDR During the COVID-19 pandemic, more people were diagnosed with stress-related skin conditions like acne and temporary hair loss.
The study investigated the rate of diagnosis of stress-associated dermatologic conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic in a large safety-net hospital system in New York City. The study analyzed data from 23,757 pre-pandemic and 26,213 pandemic patients. The prevalence of acne increased by 15% and telogen effluvium (a form of temporary hair loss) increased by 166% during the pandemic. Among patients with COVID-19, the majority of stress-related conditions had significantly increased: acne (54%), telogen effluvium (266%), urticaria (111%), and herpes zoster (250%). The study suggests that the physiological stress of infection may have weakened immunologic defenses, enabling the expression of underlying cutaneous disease. However, the study also acknowledges potential selection bias and changes in health-seeking behavior during the pandemic as limitations.
2 citations,
August 2021 in “Canadian Family Physician” COVID-19 can cause rashes and worsen existing skin conditions, and behaviors like frequent hand-washing can lead to hand dermatitis.
12 citations,
December 2020 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” The COVID-19 pandemic increased symptoms in people with skin picking and hair pulling disorders.
41 citations,
March 2010 in “Psychology Research and Behavior Management” Using psychological treatments can help manage skin conditions along with regular medical care.
December 2021 in “Turkderm” The COVID-19 pandemic led to fewer dermatology patients, more stress-related skin conditions during the crisis, and a rise in contact dermatitis after, with ongoing concerns for public health and treatment delays.
January 2023 in “Acta dermatovenerologica Alpina, Pannonica et Adriatica (Tiskana izd.)” The article concludes that schoolchildren and adolescents experienced various skin issues during the COVID-19 pandemic, including acne from masks and other skin reactions from the virus and vaccines.
5 citations,
February 2010 in “Expert Review of Dermatology” Treating both the mind and skin together, especially by managing stress, can greatly improve outcomes for skin disorders linked to psychological issues.
2 citations,
December 2023 in “JEADV. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology/Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology” The document suggests a new way to categorize skin and mind disorders into two main groups to reduce confusion.
