Proopiomelanocortin (POMC) and Psychodermatology

April 2023 in “ Skin Health and Disease ”

G. W. M. Millington, Hannah E. Palmer

proopiomelanocortin psychodermatology hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis cutaneous corticotrophin-releasing factor corticosteroid psoriasis atopic eczema acne alopecia areata vitiligo melasma POMC HPA axis CRF steroids

TLDR Psychological stress can worsen skin conditions like psoriasis and acne.

The document examined the role of proopiomelanocortin (POMC) in psychodermatology, particularly its involvement in stress-related skin diseases and conditions like alopecia, vitiligo, and melasma. It highlighted the connection between psychiatric conditions and skin issues, with stress and psychological disorders exacerbating inflammatory skin diseases through the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and neuroendocrine pathways. The study found that corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) could inhibit hair growth, suggesting stress-induced hair loss. Additionally, it noted the potential therapeutic targets for alopecia areata in POMC-derived peptides and the ambiguous effects of cortisol on hair growth. The document emphasized the importance of considering psychological factors and skin color in managing these conditions and suggested that psychosocial interventions could improve coping strategies for affected individuals.

View this study on onlinelibrary.wiley.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

8 / 8 results

research Proopiomelanocortin (POMC) and Psychodermatology

11 citations , April 2023 in “Skin Health and Disease”

Psychological stress can worsen skin conditions like psoriasis and acne.

research Hormonal Effects on Hair Follicles

102 citations , July 2020 in “International journal of molecular sciences”

Hormones like testosterone and estrogen significantly affect hair growth and structure.

research Hair Follicle Immune Privilege and Its Collapse in Alopecia Areata

134 citations , July 2020 in “Experimental dermatology”

Hair follicles are normally protected from the immune system, but when this protection fails, it can cause hair loss in alopecia areata.

research The Local Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Adrenal Axis in Cultured Human Dermal Papilla Cells

9 citations , June 2020 in “BMC Molecular and Cell Biology”

Stress hormone CRF can cause hair loss by affecting hair growth cells and hormones.

New Effects of Caffeine on Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone (CRH)-Induced Stress Along the Intrafollicular Classical Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) Axis (CRH-R1/2, IP3-R, ACTH, MC-R2) and the Neurogenic Non-HPA Axis (Substance P, p75NTR and TrkA) in Ex Vivo Human Male Androgenetic Scalp Hair Follicles

research New Effects of Caffeine on Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone (CRH)-Induced Stress Along the Intrafollicular Classical Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) Axis (CRH-R1/2, IP3-R, ACTH, MC-R2) and the Neurogenic Non-HPA Axis (Substance P, p75NTR and TrkA) in Ex Vivo Human Male Androgenetic Scalp Hair Follicles

12 citations , April 2020 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Caffeine may help reduce stress-induced hair loss.

research Alopecia Areata: Hyperactivity of the Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Adrenal Axis Is a Myth?

5 citations , May 2017 in “Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

The study found no significant difference in stress hormone levels between people with alopecia areata and healthy individuals, suggesting that the disease is not caused by an overactive stress response system.

research British Association of Dermatologists’ Guidelines for the Management of Alopecia Areata 2012

218 citations , April 2012 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Guidelines suggest various treatments for alopecia areata, but leaving it untreated is also an option as 80% cases may recover on their own.

research Obesity and the Skin

128 citations , September 2011 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Obesity is linked to various skin problems and may increase the risk of skin cancer.