The Brain–Gut–Skin Axis in Inflammatory and Disfiguring Skin Diseases: Mechanistic Insights, Clinical Correlations, and Therapeutic Strategies
February 2026
in “
Frontiers in Immunology
”
brain–gut–skin axis acne atopic dermatitis psoriasis rosacea vitiligo alopecia areata neuroendocrine stress gut microbial imbalances chronic inflammation microbial metabolites cytokines neuropeptides HPA axis microbiome-directed interventions psychoneuroimmunological approaches traditional herbal medicine BGSA herbal medicine
TLDR Skin diseases like acne and psoriasis are linked to stress, gut health, and inflammation, with new treatments focusing on gut and mind-body approaches.
The paper explores the brain-gut-skin axis (BGSA) and its involvement in inflammatory skin diseases such as acne, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, rosacea, vitiligo, and alopecia areata. It highlights the systemic nature of these conditions, linked to neuroendocrine stress, gut microbial imbalances, and chronic inflammation. The BGSA involves interactions between the central nervous system, gut, and skin, mediated by microbial metabolites, cytokines, neuropeptides, and the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis. Emerging therapies focus on microbiome-directed interventions and psychoneuroimmunological approaches, though more research is needed for clinical validation. The review emphasizes the need for longitudinal studies and standardized trials to better understand these mechanisms and develop precise, patient-centered treatments.
