Q I seem to itch more when stressed or after bathing. How should I manage the triggers?
A Stress raises cortisol and weakens the skin barrier, while hot baths damage the sebum film and strip away moisture. The key is to shower with lukewarm water and moisturize immediately afterward.
Detailed Answer
Stress increases cortisol and adrenaline, disrupting immunity and interfering with the synthesis of skin barrier protein (filaggrin). Hot baths remove the sebum film and dilate capillaries, strengthening itch signals. Especially in dry skin, if moisturizer is not applied within 5 minutes after bathing, moisture evaporates rapidly.
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
In Korean medicine, stress is seen as Liver-Qi Stagnation (gangi-ulgyeol) - a state in which the liver's coursing-and-draining function is obstructed - which then transforms into fire (hwa) and irritates the skin. For the itching of people with much psychological tension, we combine clearing heat and draining fire (cheongyeol-sahwa) with a formula that soothes the liver and relieves stagnation (sogan-haeul). At Dongjedang, we examine the body's condition together with stress patterns.
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