Stress is one of the reasons pimples occur on the arms, typically on the upper arms, shoulders and chest. Stress also causes pimples on the back and acne on the face. Acne occurs in response to your body's reaction to stress, called the fight-or-flight response. The response causes an increased blood supply to the brain, lungs and muscles, shunting the supply of blood and oxygen to the skin and organs. As a result, the skin and liver cannot remove toxins as effectively, causing a buildup of poisons in the body and in the skin's pores.
Perspiration is another reaction to the body's stress response, and may cause pimples on the arms, chest, shoulders, and back. Synthetic fabrics such as polyester, coupled with increased sweating, can also cause pimples on the arms. Breathable fabrics such as cotton may keep perspiration at bay, as cotton allows sweat to evaporate, reducing the chances of outbreaks of pimples and other skin conditions such as rashes and dry, rough patches on the arms.
The body's stress response alone will not cause pimples, but how well you respond to stress can play a role. If you do not or cannot find a healthy way to react to stress, you increase the chances of sliding into a state of depression. Moreover, you can trigger a domino effect in your body, potentially causing a number of other medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, heart failure and digestive problems, among others.
Biology
Your stress level may cause changes in your desire for food, rest and other pleasures, such as exercise and fun outdoor activities. A low intake of healthy foods may cause a vitamin deficiency, and a lack of exercise prevents adequate skin detoxification. Skin looks dull and dead skin cells clog the pores, causing pimples and other skin conditions. A lack of sleep may impair other regulatory systems, particularly the body's internal clock.
Melatonin regulates the body's internal clock and sleep cycle, where the body synchronizes important hormones and regulatory systems as you sleep, such as cell growth and repair. Since stress may cause a lack of sleep, melatonin production declines, potentially causing unhealthy skin conditions such as pimples and acne. According to a study done at the Department of Cellular and Structural Biology at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, "Melatonin is remarkably potent in protecting against free radical damage induced by a variety of means." Further, the study finds that a lack of melatonin provokes a chain reaction leading to massive lipid destruction in cell membranes.
Treatment
Supplements such as DHEA may help produce and regulate melatonin, but high doses of DHEA may also cause acne. According to the Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, the recommended daily dosaage for treating a lack of melatonin is 3 mg a day. If you are taking DHEA for another medical condition, in higher dosages, the supplement may be the cause of pimples on the arms. It may not seem sensible to take a medication or supplement that produces more pimples, but the side effect is only temporary, and the supplement treats the problem, rather than just the symptoms. Your doctor or natural health practitioner may believe that the supplements are more beneficial to you then the potential side effects.
Alternative treatments may help you conquer the ill effects of stress on the body and mind. Aromatherapy, massage, light therapy and color therapy, among others, may also alleviate stress and prevent impaired regulatory systems. Take more time and care for your skin during times of stress. Regular steam baths or steam showers reduce the occurrence of pimples on the arms. Consider using a body moisturizer that contains glycolic acid to keep skin healthy and shed dead skin cells that can lead to pimples.
If all else fails, talk to your doctor about taking an antidepressant or anti-anxiety medication. Antidepressants help regulate normal sleeping patterns and reduce the effects of stress, particularly the effects of long-term stress. Anti-anxiety medications reduce nervousness and may prevent the domino effect on the body. It may take weeks after starting a new medication to see results.
References
- Evidence Supporting Melatonin's Role As An Antioxidant
- Encyclopedia of natural medicine; Michael Murray; Prima Publishing 1998
- Timeframe for seeing results after starting a new antidepressant medication.
