Chronic fatigue affects the skin

Chronic fatigue is a condition that affects more than just your energy level; it can also have a significant impact on your skin health. Although the link between chronic fatigue and skin problems is not often discussed, it is important to understand how these two can be connected and what you can do about it.

Also referred to as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), it is a complex condition characterized by extreme fatigue that does not improve with rest and cannot be explained by an underlying medical condition. The exact causes of chronic fatigue are still unclear, but research points to an interplay of various physical and environmental factors.

Possible Causes of Chronic Fatigue

1. Immune system out of balance:
   Many studies suggest that a dysregulation of the immune system plays a role in chronic fatigue. Patients often show signs of chronic, low-grade inflammation and abnormal immune responses. This may be related to an overactive immune system that is constantly “in battle mode,” leading to energy depletion.
2. Neurological changes:
   In people with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), scientists have discovered changes in how the nervous system works, particularly in a key system called the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. This system works as a team to help our body cope with stress, energy, and sleep. It starts with the hypothalamus, a small part in your brain that notices when you’re stressed or tired. This part sends a message to the pituitary gland, which then instructs the adrenal glands to produce cortisol, a substance that helps with energy and stress. In people with CFS, this system often functions differently, which can contribute to their symptoms such as fatigue, sleep disorders, and mood swings.
3. Viral or bacterial infections:
   Patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) often have experienced an infection before the symptoms started. Viruses such as the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), herpes viruses (such as HHV-6), enteroviruses, influenza viruses, and cytomegalovirus (CMV), and bacteria such as Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Borrelia burgdorferi (the causative agent of Lyme disease), and Chlamydia pneumoniae are mentioned in connection with CFS. These infections can cause inflammation that may play a role in the onset of CFS. However, it is important to know that CFS is a complex condition in which multiple factors may play a role and not every infection leads to CFS.
4. Genetic factors:
   There are indications that genetics play a role in susceptibility to CFS. Research has identified certain genetic markers that occur more frequently in CFS patients, indicating a hereditary component to the condition.
5. Mitochondrial dysfunction:
   Mitochondria are the powerhouses of the cells, and there is evidence that in people with CFS, the mitochondrial function may be impaired. This leads to reduced energy production at the cellular level and can contribute to overall fatigue.
6. Psychological:
   Although psychological factors alone do not cause CFS, they can exacerbate the symptoms. Stress, anxiety, and depression can all affect physical health and make it harder for the body to recover from fatigue.
7. Hormonal imbalances:
   Hormones are like messengers that help various things in your body function properly, such as your energy levels and how your body uses food. Problems with hormones like those from the thyroid, which help regulate your energy, or sex hormones, which influence many things in your body, can make you feel even more tired. This is because these hormones are essential for managing energy and how your body operates, and if they are out of balance, they can contribute to the symptoms of CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome).

How is the diagnosis made?

Since there is no specific test that can diagnose CFS, the diagnosis is usually based on symptoms and by ruling out other possible causes.

1. Aanhoudende of terugkerende vermoeidheid:
   • The fatigue is severe enough to significantly reduce daily activities and is new or had a clear onset (not lifelong).
   • The fatigue is not the result of continuous effort and does not significantly improve with rest.
2. Duur:
   • The fatigue must persist for at least six months. This duration helps to distinguish CFS from other possible temporary causes of fatigue.
3. Aanvullende symptomen:
   • Naast vermoeidheid moet de patiënt ten minste vier van de volgende symptomen ervaren, die ook nieuw of duidelijk verergerd moeten zijn na het begin van de vermoeidheid:
     • Significant deterioration of short-term memory or concentration
     • Sore throat
     • Sensitive lymph nodes in the neck or armpits
     • Muscle Pain
     • Pain in multiple joints without swelling or redness
     • Headache of a new type, pattern or severity
     • Non-refreshing sleep
     • Malaise (extreme exhaustion) lasting more than 24 hours after exertion
4. Uitsluiting van andere medische aandoeningen:
   • Before CVS can be diagnosed, other medical conditions that can cause fatigue, such as active diseases, medical or psychiatric conditions, must be ruled out through medical tests and evaluations.

How Chronic Fatigue Affects the Skin

Disruption of sleep patterns: Sleep is crucial for skin regeneration. During deep sleep phases, the body produces growth hormones essential for the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid, two key molecules that give the skin its structure and hydration. Chronic fatigue often leads to disrupted sleep patterns, which cause a decrease in these restorative processes. The decrease in collagen and hyaluronic acid can lead to a loss of elasticity and firmness in the skin, exacerbating signs of aging such as wrinkles. Moreover, decreased sleep can limit blood circulation to the skin, causing your skin to look dull and tired. Find out more about sleep and skin health

Stress and hormonal changes: Chronic fatigue can also lead to prolonged stress, which increases the production of cortisol, the stress hormone. Cortisol can cause a range of skin problems; it stimulates sebum production which can lead to acne outbreaks and reduces the synthesis of collagen, making the skin more vulnerable to damage and aging. In addition, persistent stress can weaken the integrity of the skin barrier, making the skin more susceptible to infections and irritations.

Impact on the immune system: A weakened immune system due to chronic fatigue can undermine the effectiveness of the skin as a protective barrier. The skin serves as the first line of defense against environmentally harmful substances, including germs and pollution. A reduced immune function can hinder the skin’s recovery, slowing wound healing and cell renewal, and leaving the skin less well protected against external damage.

Nutritional Deficiencies: Chronic fatigue can also influence nutritional choices and absorption, often resulting in deficiencies of crucial nutrients. Deficiencies in vitamin C and E, both potent antioxidants, as well as vitamin D and minerals such as zinc and selenium, are of particular importance for skin health. These nutrients are crucial for protection against oxidative stress and supporting collagen production and skin repair. Deficiencies in these can dull the skin and slow the healing process.

Practical skincare tips

Take care of your skin: a few tips for a better skin condition

Hydrate your skin: It’s crucial to keep your skin well-hydrated. Use creams or ointments that contain moisturizing ingredients such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid, urea, and ceramides. Not only do these substances help to maintain the moisture level in your skin, but they also strengthen the skin’s barrier. For irritated or sensitive skin, choose products with soothing ingredients like avena sativa (oats), marshmallow root, ectoine, chamomile, and aloe vera, which help to soften the skin and reduce irritation.

Protection against the sun: Even on cloudy days in spring and summer, it’s important to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30. UV radiation can damage the skin, leading to spots and premature signs of aging. While the differences between SPF 30 and SPF 50 aren’t huge, each offers added protection against harmful rays. If you want to know more about: Differences between chemical and physical (mineral) filters.

Reduce stress: Stress management techniques such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises can help reduce stress and promote overall skin health.

Sports and physical activity are important: even though it seems counterintuitive for those who are tired, research shows that exercise can reduce fatigue without negative consequences. A Cochrane study on exercise therapy for chronic fatigue syndrome concludes that patients may generally feel less tired and there is no evidence that symptoms worsen. A positive effect has been observed in terms of sleep, physical function, and self-perceived general health, but it was not possible to draw conclusions about the outcomes for pain, quality of life, anxiety, depression, drop-out rate, and use of health care resources.

Eat healthily: This seems logical, yet often underestimated. A diet rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, and proteins can be essential for nourishing and supporting the skin during the healing process. Foods such as fatty fish, nuts, blueberries, and leafy greens are particularly beneficial for nourishing the skin from within.

Understanding the link between chronic fatigue and your skin can help you take steps in both your overall health and your skincare routine. Hopefully, this approach can not only help you better manage your fatigue, but also maintain a healthier, more radiant skin.

Now that you are here

Hormones play a crucial role in regulating numerous functions within our body and have a profound influence on both our health and our skin condition. In this article, we delve into the world of key hormones such as cortisol, dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and endorphin, and investigate how they affect our skin. We will also explore how we can naturally promote the production of these hormones and lower the stress hormone cortisol. More about hormones and your skin

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