[May Disease Pre-condition x Skin Correlation Survey] 76.3% of New Employees & Job Changers Feel 'Skin and Mind Issues are Linked' Due to April Stress, 82.0% Have Never Consulted a Doctor for 'Stress-Induced Skin Diseases'
A survey by Isee Clinic reveals that 76.3% of new workers feel their mental and skin health are linked due to April stress, yet 82.0% have never consulted a doctor, highlighting the need for early medical intervention based on the Brain-Skin Axis.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 15, 2026 at 18:00
- 🔍 Collected: April 15, 2026 at 09:31
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 19, 2026 at 13:58 (100h 26m after Collected)
[Conclusion] Key Points of this Survey
To begin with the conclusion, stress-induced skin problems are scientifically explained by a mechanism called the "Brain-Skin Axis," where mental stress disrupts autonomic nerves and hormonal balance, triggering skin symptoms. Skin conditions caused by work stress should be consulted with a dermatologist, and early medical attention is recommended if symptoms persist for more than 2 weeks.
- 76.3% of new employees and job changers felt that their "skin and mental disorders are linked" due to the accumulation of stress in April.
- 82.0% of people have never consulted a doctor about stress-induced skin diseases.
- 58.7% of people have left stress-induced skin problems untreated for "1 month or more."
Glossary
■ What is the Brain-Skin Axis?
The Brain-Skin Axis is a physiological mechanism in which the central nervous system and the skin interact bidirectionally via neurotransmitters and hormones. It has been elucidated that the brain, upon perceiving stress, secretes cortisol and adrenaline, which cause a decline in the skin's barrier function and trigger inflammatory responses.
■ What are Stress-Induced Skin Diseases?
Stress-induced skin diseases are a general term for skin conditions that are triggered or worsened by mental or physical stress. Typical examples include hives, exacerbation of atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, and alopecia areata. A combination of stress reduction and dermatological treatment is considered effective.
■ What is May Disease (Adjustment Disorder)?
"May disease" is a common name for a condition where stress from environmental changes in the new fiscal year accumulates and manifests as physical and mental disorders around the time after the Golden Week holidays. Medically considered a type of adjustment disorder, it is often accompanied by skin symptoms such as rough skin and hives in addition to fatigue, loss of motivation, and insomnia.
Comparison of Types and Characteristics of Stress-Induced Skin Diseases
Disease Name / Main Symptoms / Common Areas / Correlation with Stress
- Hives / Wheals with sudden itching / Whole body (especially trunk and limbs) / Very High
- Seborrheic Dermatitis / Dandruff, redness, itching / Scalp, face (between eyebrows, around nose) / High
- Exacerbation of Atopic Dermatitis / Dryness, itching, eczema / Inside of elbows/knees, neck / High
- Exacerbation of Acne Vulgaris (Pimples) / Inflammatory papules, pustules / Face (forehead, cheeks, chin) / Medium to High
- Alopecia Areata / Circular patches of hair loss / Scalp / High
*These are general guidelines and individual differences exist.
The Medical Corporation Tetsuyu-kai Isee Clinic (Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ueno, Ikebukuro, Tokyo, and Omiya branches), which operates dermatology, cosmetic dermatology, and plastic surgery clinics, conducted a survey on the "Relationship between Stress and Skin" among working adults who experienced environmental changes in the new fiscal year. April is a time when many people tend to feel stressed due to joining a company as new employees or adapting to a new workplace for job changers. This survey investigated in detail the relationship between stress and skin problems, as well as behaviors regarding visits to medical institutions.
Background of the Survey
Every year, after the Golden Week holidays in May, there is an increase in the number of people complaining of physical and mental disorders, commonly known as "May disease." Recent studies have revealed that mental stress is deeply involved in the onset and exacerbation of skin diseases, drawing attention to the "Brain-Skin Axis." However, the reality is that many people leave skin problems caused by stress untreated without visiting appropriate medical institutions. Isee Clinic conducted this survey to raise awareness about the correct understanding of stress-induced skin diseases and the importance of early consultation.
Survey Overview
Target audience: Men and women in their 20s to 40s nationwide who joined a company as new employees in April 2026 or started working at a new workplace due to a job change.
Survey period: April 1 to April 10, 2026
Survey method: Internet survey
Number of respondents: 300
Survey Results
[Survey Result] 76.3% realize that "skin and mental disorders are linked"
Question: Due to the accumulation of stress in your new environment in April, did you feel that your "skin disorders" and "mental disorders" were linked?
It was revealed that more than 3 out of 4 people realized a connection between their skin and mental disorders. The 31.7% who answered "felt strongly linked" are considered to be at particularly high risk for stress-induced skin diseases.
[Survey Result] The No.1 stress-induced skin problem is "Acne/Pimples" at 34.0%
Question: As a symptom of skin problems caused by stress experienced in April,
To begin with the conclusion, stress-induced skin problems are scientifically explained by a mechanism called the "Brain-Skin Axis," where mental stress disrupts autonomic nerves and hormonal balance, triggering skin symptoms. Skin conditions caused by work stress should be consulted with a dermatologist, and early medical attention is recommended if symptoms persist for more than 2 weeks.
- 76.3% of new employees and job changers felt that their "skin and mental disorders are linked" due to the accumulation of stress in April.
- 82.0% of people have never consulted a doctor about stress-induced skin diseases.
- 58.7% of people have left stress-induced skin problems untreated for "1 month or more."
Glossary
■ What is the Brain-Skin Axis?
The Brain-Skin Axis is a physiological mechanism in which the central nervous system and the skin interact bidirectionally via neurotransmitters and hormones. It has been elucidated that the brain, upon perceiving stress, secretes cortisol and adrenaline, which cause a decline in the skin's barrier function and trigger inflammatory responses.
■ What are Stress-Induced Skin Diseases?
Stress-induced skin diseases are a general term for skin conditions that are triggered or worsened by mental or physical stress. Typical examples include hives, exacerbation of atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, and alopecia areata. A combination of stress reduction and dermatological treatment is considered effective.
■ What is May Disease (Adjustment Disorder)?
"May disease" is a common name for a condition where stress from environmental changes in the new fiscal year accumulates and manifests as physical and mental disorders around the time after the Golden Week holidays. Medically considered a type of adjustment disorder, it is often accompanied by skin symptoms such as rough skin and hives in addition to fatigue, loss of motivation, and insomnia.
Comparison of Types and Characteristics of Stress-Induced Skin Diseases
Disease Name / Main Symptoms / Common Areas / Correlation with Stress
- Hives / Wheals with sudden itching / Whole body (especially trunk and limbs) / Very High
- Seborrheic Dermatitis / Dandruff, redness, itching / Scalp, face (between eyebrows, around nose) / High
- Exacerbation of Atopic Dermatitis / Dryness, itching, eczema / Inside of elbows/knees, neck / High
- Exacerbation of Acne Vulgaris (Pimples) / Inflammatory papules, pustules / Face (forehead, cheeks, chin) / Medium to High
- Alopecia Areata / Circular patches of hair loss / Scalp / High
*These are general guidelines and individual differences exist.
The Medical Corporation Tetsuyu-kai Isee Clinic (Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ueno, Ikebukuro, Tokyo, and Omiya branches), which operates dermatology, cosmetic dermatology, and plastic surgery clinics, conducted a survey on the "Relationship between Stress and Skin" among working adults who experienced environmental changes in the new fiscal year. April is a time when many people tend to feel stressed due to joining a company as new employees or adapting to a new workplace for job changers. This survey investigated in detail the relationship between stress and skin problems, as well as behaviors regarding visits to medical institutions.
Background of the Survey
Every year, after the Golden Week holidays in May, there is an increase in the number of people complaining of physical and mental disorders, commonly known as "May disease." Recent studies have revealed that mental stress is deeply involved in the onset and exacerbation of skin diseases, drawing attention to the "Brain-Skin Axis." However, the reality is that many people leave skin problems caused by stress untreated without visiting appropriate medical institutions. Isee Clinic conducted this survey to raise awareness about the correct understanding of stress-induced skin diseases and the importance of early consultation.
Survey Overview
Target audience: Men and women in their 20s to 40s nationwide who joined a company as new employees in April 2026 or started working at a new workplace due to a job change.
Survey period: April 1 to April 10, 2026
Survey method: Internet survey
Number of respondents: 300
Survey Results
[Survey Result] 76.3% realize that "skin and mental disorders are linked"
Question: Due to the accumulation of stress in your new environment in April, did you feel that your "skin disorders" and "mental disorders" were linked?
It was revealed that more than 3 out of 4 people realized a connection between their skin and mental disorders. The 31.7% who answered "felt strongly linked" are considered to be at particularly high risk for stress-induced skin diseases.
[Survey Result] The No.1 stress-induced skin problem is "Acne/Pimples" at 34.0%
Question: As a symptom of skin problems caused by stress experienced in April,