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Vitiligo, skin functions, stress...

The skin is the body's largest organ. Knowing its function and how it is related to the nervous system helps understand how stress can trigger or worsen Vitiligo. It is also important to know the close relation between the nervous system and the system of defense (immune system).

Skin functions

1. It is a barrier to protect the body against the entry of toxic environmental chemicals.

2. It prevents loss of essential body fluids and dehydration.

3. The skin protects the body against invasion by micro-organisms. 

4. The skin plays contributes to the body's supply of vitamin D. Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is produced in the skin by the action of ultraviolet light on dehydrocholesterol.
 
5. Melanin, the natural pigment of the skin protects against damage from excessive ultraviolet radiation. 

6. The skin is a part of the body's temperature regulation system, protecting us against hypothermia (excessive cold) and hyperthermia (excessive heat). 

7. The skin is also a huge sensory organ with receptors for heat, cold, pain, touch, pressure, and tickle. 

How can stress affect the skin in cases of vitiligo?

The skin and the nervous system originate from the same structure during early fetal development. This is one of the reasons why emotional life may affect the skin either positively or negatively.

The skin has great psychological importance at all ages. It is an organ of emotional expression and a site for the discharge of anxiety. For example, caressing favors emotional development, learning and growth of newborn infants. 

Vitiligo is an autoimmune condition. The nervous system and the immune system work in close interaction. The brain regulates the activity of the immune system. Because of this autoimmune disorders are affected by emotional factors and stress. 

It is widely recognized that acute and chronic stress have an impact on the immune system. Stress can indirectly affect Vitiligo. Cultivating a positive self-image, an optimistic outlook on life and good coping skills can minimize the impact of stress on the immune system. Stress management should be part of Vitiligo treatment. For a strategy to control stress click here

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