2. Stress: The Silent Aggravator of Lichen Planus
We’ve all felt the weight of stress at some point in our lives, manifesting in various physical or emotional symptoms. Interestingly, stress has been linked to a plethora of skin conditions, including LP. But how exactly does the weight of our worries connect to our skin?
Stress prompts our body to produce certain chemicals and hormones. Cortisol, often dubbed the ‘stress hormone,’ can influence many body processes, including immune response. With LP being an inflammatory condition, an altered immune response due to heightened stress can exacerbate its onset or severity.
That’s not all. Chronic stress can also weaken the skin’s natural barrier. This makes it more susceptible to irritants and allergens, which, in turn, can act as triggers for LP in predisposed individuals. Imagine our skin as a fortress. Continual stress slowly erodes its walls, making it easier for invaders to breach its defenses.
However, it’s essential to acknowledge that stress alone might not lead to LP. It’s the partnership of stress with other factors that create a conducive environment for LP to thrive. For instance, someone already at risk due to other factors might find stress to be the tipping point. (2)
