Skin problems in stressful situations

[Erec]

Over the years, I have had skin problems (dermatitis, psoriasis) that worsened during times of stress. There is certainly a genetic predisposition (but I was the first in my family to develop psoriasis), but I am fairly certain that the reactivation of trauma is a determining factor. One thing that happens to me is that, in the presence of negative or emotionally intense stress, some areas of my skin suddenly become inflamed within seconds, sometimes even bleeding.

The strangest episode was when I tried to read a collection of lectures by John Bowlby: I found what I was reading very interesting, but the skin on my forearm became so inflamed that it hurt. I would like to ask if any of you have ever experienced such sudden and intense inflammatory reactions.

[NarcKiddo]

I have not experienced such sudden and intense reactions. However I suffer from pompholyx eczema that reliably forms on my hands at times of stress. Sometimes it is the first thing that makes me aware of increased stress, given I am so used to living with a pretty heavy stress level generally. It is only controlled by prescription steroid creams - over the counter strength does nothing.

[Erec]

Yes, I understand you, I also need topical corticosteroid medications. The strange thing is that sometimes this type of dermatological inflammation "flares up" as quickly as a person blushes.
One factor that increases the risk of psoriasis is lithium intake, which is unfortunate because that particular drug could have positive effects in cases of C-PTSD.