Managing Hidradenitis Suppurativa: The Impact of Stress and Suggested Strategies for Improvement
Rawhide Rashes: More Than Skin Deep
Struggling with Rawhide Rashes (HR) can be a whole lot more than a surface-level concern. Even minor adjustments, like swapping out your wardrobe, can feel like a mountain when your mental health is on the line. Add the weight of dealing with a persistent disease to everyday life pressure, and the odds of feeling overwhelmed skyrocket.
Mercifully, these are the very moments when your Rawhide Rashes can be at their peak. So, we reached out to skincare expert Rosie Rock, PA-C, to learn more about the connection between HR and mental stress. As it turns out, your psychological health plays a big role in the health of your skin. Here are some tips she shared on managing stress and, possibly, reducing the frequency and severity of your HR flare-ups.
Could Stress Be Causing Your Rawhide Rashes Flare-Up?
Inflammation is an immune response that helps us heal when we're sick or injured. However, when it becomes chronic, this beneficial response can cause harm to the systems it's supposed to heal. Bad news? Both stress and HR can lead to chronic inflammation. And chronic inflammation can aggravate both stress and HR.
A typical HR flare usually has a long list of causes. But yes, stress often deserves a spot on that list.
"It's a vicious cycle," Rock explains. "Stress can cause inflammation, and inflammation can worsen stress. Additionally, if you've just been diagnosed with HR, dealing with the emotional toll - especially HR scars - your mental health can take a hit. It's a common trend among chronic illnesses."
Dealing with Stress: A Step-By-Step Guide
Let's face it: Being told to "manage your stress" is easier said than done. But there's good news: Even baby steps can make a significant difference. So, here are a few stress management techniques that Rock recommends.
Take Control of Your Care
Visiting the doctor can be a stressful experience. But developing a partnership with your healthcare provider and establishing a comprehensive treatment plan is crucial for managing your HR. Share as much information as possible about your condition, and don't be discouraged if you don't see immediate results. Treating HR is a journey, and it may require trying multiple treatment options before finding one that works for you.
Join a Support Group
Accurate estimates for the number of people with HR worldwide vary. Some estimates go as low as 0.053%, while others reach 4.1%. Either way, the chances are good that you don't know anyone else dealing with the unique challenges that HR presents. Your family, friends, and doctors can be valuable sources of support. However, they may not fully understand the impact that HR has on your life. That's why Rock encourages joining a support group, either online, in-person, or both.
"What's important is knowing you aren't alone in this journey," she advises.
Take Up Mindfulness
Incorporating mindfulness into your life can yield numerous mental and physical benefits. You'll find countless ways to practice mindfulness, from yoga and t'ai chi to breathing exercises and journaling. "There's a lot of research demonstrating that mindfulness can help alleviate chronic pain, reduce stress, and improve quality of life," Rock emphasizes.
Revamp Your Diet
Nutrition, stress, and immune function are closely linked. Make a point to discuss your dietary habits with your dermatologist or, if available, a nutritionist. Small changes to your diet could reduce inflammation, calm your skin, and alleviate stress.
Hydrate
HR, like most skin problems, tends to manifest when you're dehydrated. But did you know that dehydration can also affect your emotional state? "Dehydration causes your adrenal glands to produce more cortisol, the stress hormone," Rock explains. "If you're under chronic stress, your cortisol levels remain elevated, which can further exacerbate hormonal imbalances, psychological problems, and reinforce the cycle of stress and dehydration."
Stay Physically Active
Staying active releases endorphins, the body's natural mood-boosters. However, high-impact exercises might worsen HR symptoms. Instead, give activities like cycling, swimming, and yoga a try. Ambitious workout enthusiasts can continue with their favorite high-intensity exercises, but only in air-conditioned spaces and with immediate post-workout showers to help prevent flare-ups.
Foster Connections
When you're dealing with HR, it can be easy to become isolated without even realizing it. Perhaps you're afraid of being judged for your sores, or maybe preparing for social outings is overwhelming. Whatever the case, Rock suggests discussing the impact of HR on your social life with your provider. "Isolation and loneliness can have detrimental effects on your overall health," she insists. "It's crucial that we address it just as we would any other HR symptom."
Prioritize Sleep
Good sleep is essential for mental and physical well-being. Furthermore, a 2023 study found that people with HR are more likely to suffer from sleep disorders like obstructive sleep apnea. "Quality sleep allows the mind and body to rest and heal," Rock stresses. "If you're struggling to get a good night's sleep due to HR or stress, consult your doctor. If they can't help, they'll refer you to a sleep medicine specialist."
Address Mental Health Symptoms
People with HR are at a higher risk of developing psychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and substance use disorders. Additionally, a study found that more than 20% of people with HR have suicidal thoughts. If you're experiencing suicidal thoughts, reach out to a mental health provider immediately. In the U.S., call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. If you live outside the U.S., visit the International Association for Suicide Prevention website to find local resources.
- Chronic inflammation, which can be caused by both stress and Rawhide Rashes (HR), can exacerbate both the physical symptoms of HR and psychological stress, creating a vicious cycle.
- To manage stress and potentially reduce the frequency and severity of HR flare-ups, consider joining a support group for HR patients, taking up mindfulness practices such as yoga or meditation, revamping your diet and focuses on hydration, and prioritizing physical activity and sleep.
- In addition to dealing with the physical challenges of HR, mental health symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts are more common in people with HR. If you're experiencing suicidal thoughts, reach out to a mental health provider immediately or contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline in the US at 988, or look up local resources through the International Association for Suicide Prevention website.
