Oct 9, 2009 11:45 pm US/Eastern
Latest Offshoot Of Stress: Skin Disease
A Struggling Economy Takes Toll On The Human Body In The Form Of Eczema, Rashes And In Some Cases Cancer
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
Here's some new information on the economy. It is taking a toll on more than our pocketbooks. Doctors are reporting an unsightly side effect to all this stress, an increase in skin diseases -- from acne to eczema and even skin cancer.
Retiree Arthur Benvenuto shouldn't have a care in the world.
"Given the situation in the economy over the last year or so, even retired people are under lot of stress," Benvenuto said.
But when Benvenuto's 401K plan took a major loss he found more than his temper flaring up.
"I do tend to react," he said. "The skin become red and I get pustules around my nose."
Benvenuto suffers from rosacea, a chronic skin condition that he says had been under control but resurfaced with the bad economic news. And he is far from alone.
"In the last year we have seen a surge in skin diseases," said Dr. Ariel Ostad, a dermatologist.
The culprit, says Dr. Ostad, is stress.
"They are worried about keeping their jobs. Are they going to be able to keep their home?" he said.
Ostad says there is a direct correlation between the skin and the mind. When we experience stress our bodies are programmed to secrete stress hormones, which can have a negative impact on the immune system.
"And when the immune system is suppressed these skin diseases can show up," Ostad said.
Unsightly skin diseases like acne, eczema and rosacea.
"I've also seen an actual increase in pre-cancerous legions," Ostad said.
In these cases Ostad says the patients all experience something in common -- a significant increase in stress.
"Exercising and eating properly and being aware of your emotions can actually help slow down that process," Ostad said.
In addition to treating patients, doctors are now coaching them on the importance of a healthy lifestyle and on taking more steps to relax. Even Benvenuto said he's making strides.
"I'm not into yoga, but I try to take walks," Benvenuto said.
Doctors say another side effect to all this stress is patients experiencing an increase in hair loss. Both men and women.
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