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The effects of stress to psoriasis and eczema.
Recent studies show that emotional stress can cause psoriatic patches to erupt on 50 to 62 percent of people subject to the disorder. Practicing relaxation techniques during periods of remission may defuse stress before it can initiate a flare-up. When psoriasis is active, combining other remedies with relaxation and mental images of clear skin replacing the scaly rash often reduces discomfort and speeds the healing process. Because stress can cause many different symptoms, both physical and mental, it's often difficult to determine their true source.
   
    Above: Psoriasis of the scalp. Psoriasis of the scalp is often triggered by stress.
Psychological symptoms:
  • Unexplained irritability or feeling of sadness.
  • Difficulty in concentrating and in making decisions.
  • Sleep problems.
  • Chronic fatigue, even after adequate rest.
  • Prolonged anxiety.
  • Changes in appetite and increased reliance on alcohol, nicotine, or other drugs.
  • Difficulty coping with what normally are minor setbacks.
  • Needless worrying over even trivial problems.
  • Decreased enjoyment of pleasurable activities and events.
  • A diminished interest in sex.
  • An increased likelihood of being involved in accidents.

A doctor may order medical tests  even if he suspects that stress is the real problem. The following are common manifestations of stress:
Physical symptoms:
  • Palpitations, shortness of breath, chest pain and other signs of a heart disease (which must be ruled out).
  • High blood pressure
  • Unusual rapid breathing, dizziness, or light-headedness.
  • Tingling sensations in the hands and or feet.
  • Chronic or recurring backache and neck pain.
  • Frequent headaches.
  • Diarrhea or constipation.
  • Heartburn and other types of digestive problems
  • An increased vulnerability to colds and other illnesses.
Coping with Stress:
  • Eat regular and healthy meals, starting with a good breakfast.
  • For a few minutes each day, sit quietly with your eyes closed.
  • Exercise regularly to increase the production of endorphins, the brain chemicals that lift mood.
  • Listen to your favorite music; it, too, increase endorphin levels.
  • Learn a relaxation technique, such as yoga, meditation, or deep-breathing exercises.
  • Make a Things-To-Do-List for the day; arrange the items by importance. Do an item at the time; move undone ones to the next day's list.
  • Consider to be nice to someone for example your partner, child, friend, colleague or take a pet! Stroking a pet can help you relax, and if you have a dog, it will force you also to exercise!
  • Share your problems with a family member, a friend, or a counselor.
Nothing will happen overnight. The process of overcoming psoriasis, and to achieve an acceptable living condition with psoriasis, is a long and enduring one. It is important that you keep to the process of healing once you have started it, including conscientiously following the above recommendations to improve your health