Acute psychosocial stress downregulates N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors in healthy human skin

Psychosocial stress impacts both healthy and diseased skin1. Whilst acute stress activates the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis, chronic stress induces suppression and impairs wound healing in humans and animals1,2. Although the underlying pathomechanisms are yet to be fully elucidated, it is clear that a better understanding of the complex relationship between neuroendocrine pathways, the immune system and the skin (the "brain-skin axis") is pivotal to the optimal management of both stress-responsive dermatoses and cutaneous wound healing. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.