Feasibility assessment of an 8-week attention-based training programme in the management of chronic spontaneous urticaria

Psychosocial factors and chronic spontaneous urticaria: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Psychosocial factors have been informally associated with Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria (CSU); however, the relationship between psychosocial factors and CSU remains relatively unexplored in the scientific literature.

OBJECTIVE

This review aims to provide an evaluation of peer reviewed studies exploring psychosocial factors and CSU.

METHODS

A systematic search was performed over four databases identifying studies exploring psychosocial factors in relation to CSU published between the years 1995 and 2022.

RESULTS

Eighteen studies were included for narrative analysis, and 33 psychosocial factors were identified. These were split into two subgroups: psychosocial factors that were associated with CSU symptoms aggravation/onset (n = 20), and psychosocial factors expected to be impacted by CSU symptoms (n = 13).

CONCLUSION

This review has highlighted a need for more research and interventions to support individuals with psychosocial factors involved in CSU.

Stress and its impairment of skin barrier function

BACKGROUND

The principal function of skin is to provide a barrier to water loss and percutaneous penetration of exogenous substances. Any compromise of the skin homeostasis can lead to dryness, itchiness, or even pathogenic conditions. This study aimed to explore the relationship among psychological stress, skin homeostasis, sleep quality, and emotion.

METHODS

This prospective observational study was conducted using a random sample of medical students from Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University. A questionnaire including the validated Chinese version of Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI) was distributed. The skin barrier function was measured by the transepidermal water loss (TEWL), hydration of skin. Dermoscopic images of the nose and infraorbital skin were obtained. We compared the skin homeostasis, sleep quality, and emotional state of medical students at different time points of the semester and explored the correlation between the variables.

RESULTS

As the semester progressed, the sleep quality and severity of anxiety of medical students got significantly worse, and they were closely related to the impaired skin barrier function. Both irregular schedule and stress can aggravate dark circles.

CONCLUSIONS

Mental stress can do harm to skin barrier through poor sleep and severe anxiety. The amount of sebum was positively correlated with the severity of anxiety while blackheads are mainly influenced by season change. Dermoscopy has a unique role in assessing blackheads and dark circles.