Does Stress Cause Boils?
According to the American Dermatological Association, stress results in drier, more brittle skin that can become infected by staphylococcal, the bacteria that causes most boils. WebMD states that tiny breaks in dry skin allow the bacteria to enter the body.
According to the American Psychology Association, high levels of cortisol and other stress hormones can result in a poor immune response. When combined with irregular skin care habits, which are common during times of high stress, tiny breaks in the skin are more susceptible to infection from the bacteria that causes boils. The American Dermatological Association recommends learning stress management techniques in order to boost the skin’s ability to resist infection from staphylococcal bacteria. Stress management techniques can help improve the overall appearance of the skin and boost the body’s immune response.