RRI.CO.ID Jakarta - Scientists are learning that the skin, immune system, and brain are all connected. This link could change how we treat both skin problems and mental health.

For a long time, doctors thought skin conditions like eczema and acne only affected mental health because of how they look. People felt anxious, sad, or isolated because of their appearance.

But new research shows the connection is also biological. “The link between skin disease and mental health is not just about looks,” Dr. Mohammad Jafferany from Central Michigan University said. The skin and brain talk to each other through what scientists call the “skin-brain axis.” This involves the immune system, nerves, and hormones. About 30% of people with chronic skin problems also have anxiety or depression.

The skin and brain start developing together before birth. They stay connected for life. That’s why stress can make acne worse. When you’re stressed, your body releases hormones like cortisol. These hormones go to the skin, increase oil, cause inflammation, and damage the skin barrier. Too much oil can clog pores and lead to more breakouts, researcher Mariana Ramirez Posada conveyed. At the same time, having visible skin problems can cause stress, which makes the skin even worse.

The communication goes both ways. The brain sends signals to the skin, and the skin sends signals back to the brain. When skin inflammation lasts a long time, it releases immune chemicals called cytokines. These can enter the blood and affect parts of the brain that control mood and sleep. That may help explain why skin problems and mental health issues often happen together.

Researchers also found that people with depression and skin inflammation sometimes have similar immune markers in their blood. This means some treatments for skin inflammation might also help with depression. Dr. James Murrough from Mount Sinai says stress increases inflammation in the body. This is why doctors now think depression isn’t just a brain problem — the immune system may be involved too.

Even with this new knowledge, most dermatologists still don’t check patients’ mental health. Experts say psychiatrists and dermatologists should work together more. There are also new “neurocosmetic” products that claim to help both skin and mood, but Dr. Jafferany sid that there’s no strong scientific proof yet.

The future may bring more personalized care. Some patients may need medicine to reduce inflammation. Others may benefit more from stress management and therapy. “We’re starting to see skin disease as part of the whole body, not just a surface problem,” says Jafferany.

Source : Nat Geo