Stress Robs Skin of Antimicrobial Defenses

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While many people think of the immune system's T-cells, which attack invaders, as the first line of defense, recent research suggests otherwise, Elias said. ""The antimicrobial defense mechanisms are so effective, they deal with 99.5 percent of all challenges by microbial pathogens, such as bad viruses, bad bacteria," he said.

In an accompanying commentary, Dr. Andrzej Slominski, of the University of Tennessee, wrote that "this study provides what I believe to be the first mechanistic link between psychological stress and increased susceptibility to microbial infection."

The research may eventually lead to new treatment options, such as topical medications that block excess glucocorticoid production.

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To learn more about skin conditions, visit the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

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