Chapter 8: Stress management: Its impact on the development of the disease (S)

Stress has a significant impact on our overall health and well-being, including the development of diseases such as Vitiligo. During intense and prolonged episodes of stress, a neural hypothesis has been observed that highlights its negative influence on melanocytes, the cells responsible for the production of pigment in the skin. This hypothesis states that the increase in the release of norepinephrine, a melanocytotoxin, from the autonomic nerve endings in the microenvironment of melanocytes, can damage these cells.

In addition, it has been discovered that stress-induced noradrenaline stimulates the activity of the enzyme monoamine oxidase (MAO), which degrades catecholamines. This favors the formation of toxic levels of hydrogen peroxide in the vicinity of melanocytes, which can also contribute to cell damage.

Chronic and uncontrolled stress can trigger a cascade of events that affect skin health and increase susceptibility to the development of Vitiligo. Therefore, it is crucial to learn how to manage and reduce stress in our lives to prevent and control this disease.

There are several effective techniques and strategies to manage stress, such as the regular practice of physical exercise, meditation, deep breathing, setting limits and priorities, and the search for emotional support. Each individual can find the tools that best suit their needs and lifestyle.

It is important to keep in mind that stress management not only benefits skin health, but also improves our general well-being and prevents the appearance of other diseases related to chronic stress. Adopting a comprehensive approach that includes stress management techniques can be fundamental in the care and prevention of Vitiligo.

In summary, stress has a significant impact on the development of Vitiligo, affecting melanocytes and generating cell damage. The release of norepinephrine and the formation of hydrogen peroxide in the vicinity of melanocytes are mechanisms that can contribute to this process. Therefore, it is essential to implement effective stress management strategies, seeking balance and well-being in our daily lives. By doing so, we will not only take care of our skin, but we will also promote comprehensive health and greater emotional and physical well-being.

Hans Hugo Bruno Selye, an Austro-Hungarian physiologist and doctor who later became naturalized Canadian, played a fundamental role in the study of stress. As director of the Institute of Experimental Medicine and Surgery at the University of Montreal, he carried out research that helped to understand the effects of stress on the body.

At the beginning of her studies, Selye believed that the stress was caused by an ovarian extract that she injected into white mice in her laboratory. However, when conducting experiments with a control group that was given a placebo instead of the ovarian extract, he noticed that they also had symptoms of irritability, high emotional tension, sleep disorders and eating disorders. This led him to conclude that it was not the extract itself that caused the stress, but rather the injection procedure and the research environment.

The word "stress", it is said, arose from a report in the newspapers of the time that described the sound of the collapse of a building as a word similar to "stress", used to express the chaos and tension that accompany difficult situations.

Selye's research laid the foundation for understanding how stress affects the body and how environmental factors and procedures can influence its appearance. His work contributed to raising awareness of the importance of managing stress properly to preserve our health and well-being.

In summary, Hans Selye, a renowned physiologist and physician, conducted research that revealed that stress was not exclusively caused by a specific substance, but was also related to the environment and the procedures to which an individual is subjected. His legacy reminds us of the importance of understanding and managing stress in our lives to maintain optimal health and general well-being.