Involvement of stress in relapse of atopic dermatitis in adults

Abstract

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a multietiological disease, and a number of adverse environmental factors has been recognized as essential in its relapse. The aim of the study was analysis of stress-related causes for AD exacerbation. Disturbed interactions between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve systems, activation of the cholinergic fibers, impaired β-adrenoreactivity, disordered hypothalamicpituitary-adrenal regulation of human metabolism, acute mental stress, and disorders of the psycho-emotional state were found to be pathophysiological factors of AD exacerbation. On other hand, the onset of AD relapse contributes to all the listed disorders. The author proposed an algorithm for psychoemotional control in AD adult patients, which may prolong the remission phase.