The Factors Contributing to the Emergence of Pitiriasis Sika

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 69 views

The Relationship Between Stress Levels and the Incidence of Pitiriasis Sika Among Final Year Students of the Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra, Class of 2017

Introduction

Pitiriasis Sika, a non-inflammatory skin disorder characterized by the presence of white or gray squams that accumulate on the scalp or certain areas, is a common skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide. In Indonesia, it was recorded that 43,833,262 people were diagnosed with Pitiriasis Sika in 2004, making it one of the most common skin conditions in the world. The condition is estimated to affect half of the world population, with the highest occurrence at the age of 20 years, before then decreasing over the age of 50 years. In this study, we aim to investigate the relationship between stress levels and the incidence of Pitiriasis Sika among final year students of the Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra, class of 2017.

The Factors Contributing to the Emergence of Pitiriasis Sika

There are three main factors that contribute to the emergence of Pitiriasis Sika. First, sebaceous gland activity that functions to produce sebum. Second, microflora metabolism consisting of mushrooms malasezia sp., Which can affect the balance of microbiota in the skin. Third, various individual vulnerabilities are influenced by temperature, humidity, weather, nutrition, and one of the important factors, namely stress. Stress can stimulate the body to increase sebum production in the sebaceous glands, which has the potential to worsen the condition of this skin.

The Role of Stress in the Emergence of Pitiriasis Sika

Stress is a significant factor that contributes to the emergence of Pitiriasis Sika. When an individual experiences stress, their body's "fight or flight" response is triggered, leading to an increase in the production of hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones can stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum, which can lead to the accumulation of white or gray squams on the scalp or certain areas, characteristic of Pitiriasis Sika. Furthermore, stress can also lead to changes in eating habits, sleep patterns, and other lifestyle factors that can exacerbate the condition.

Methodology

This study was conducted using a total sampling technique of 253 respondents, who were final year students of the Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra, class of 2017. A questionnaire was used to collect data about stress levels and the events of Pitiriasis Sika. The questionnaire consisted of questions related to stress levels, symptoms of Pitiriasis Sika, and demographic information.

Results

The results of the univariate analysis showed that most of the respondents were at normal stress levels, however, it was found that 41.5% of them experienced Pitiriasis Sika. Through bivariate analysis, a p-value value of 0.002 was obtained, which indicated a significant relationship between stress levels and the incidence of Pitiriasis Sika in the student.

Conclusion

The conclusion of this study shows that there is a relationship between stress levels and the events of Pitiriasis Sika among students of the Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra, class of 2017. This study provides important insights for the faculty and health institutions in creating psychological support programs for students, especially in times critical before graduation that can increase stress levels. Efforts to manage stress well can be a first step to prevent the emergence of skin problems such as Pitiriasis Sika. In addition, education about proper skin care and good stress management can help students to be better prepared in facing academic challenges and maintaining their skin health.

Implications for Practice

The findings of this study have several implications for practice. Firstly, it highlights the importance of stress management in preventing the emergence of skin problems such as Pitiriasis Sika. Secondly, it emphasizes the need for education about proper skin care and good stress management among students. Finally, it suggests that psychological support programs should be implemented for students, especially in times critical before graduation that can increase stress levels.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations. Firstly, the sample size was relatively small, which may limit the generalizability of the findings. Secondly, the study relied on self-reported data, which may be subject to biases and errors. Finally, the study did not control for other potential confounding variables that may have influenced the relationship between stress levels and the incidence of Pitiriasis Sika.

Future Directions

Future studies should aim to replicate the findings of this study using larger and more diverse samples. Additionally, studies should investigate the mechanisms by which stress contributes to the emergence of Pitiriasis Sika, and explore the effectiveness of stress management interventions in preventing the condition. Finally, studies should examine the relationship between stress levels and the incidence of Pitiriasis Sika in other populations, such as healthcare workers and individuals with other chronic conditions.

References

[1] World Health Organization. (2019). Pitiriasis Sika.
[2] Indonesian Ministry of Health. (2004). Pitiriasis Sika in Indonesia.
[3] National Institute of Mental Health. (2019). Stress and Skin Conditions.

Appendix

[1] Questionnaire used in the study.
[2] Demographic information of the respondents.
[3] Results of the bivariate analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Relationship Between Stress Levels and the Incidence of Pitiriasis Sika

Q: What is Pitiriasis Sika?

A: Pitiriasis Sika is a non-inflammatory skin disorder characterized by the presence of white or gray squams that accumulate on the scalp or certain areas, which are easily peeling and often accompanied by itching.

Q: What are the main factors that contribute to the emergence of Pitiriasis Sika?

A: There are three main factors that contribute to the emergence of Pitiriasis Sika: sebaceous gland activity, microflora metabolism, and individual vulnerabilities influenced by temperature, humidity, weather, nutrition, and stress.

Q: How does stress contribute to the emergence of Pitiriasis Sika?

A: Stress can stimulate the body to increase sebum production in the sebaceous glands, which can lead to the accumulation of white or gray squams on the scalp or certain areas, characteristic of Pitiriasis Sika.

Q: What is the relationship between stress levels and the incidence of Pitiriasis Sika?

A: The study found a significant relationship between stress levels and the incidence of Pitiriasis Sika among final year students of the Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra, class of 2017.

Q: What are the implications of this study for practice?

A: The findings of this study highlight the importance of stress management in preventing the emergence of skin problems such as Pitiriasis Sika. It also emphasizes the need for education about proper skin care and good stress management among students.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: The study has several limitations, including a relatively small sample size, reliance on self-reported data, and failure to control for other potential confounding variables.

Q: What are the future directions for research on this topic?

A: Future studies should aim to replicate the findings of this study using larger and more diverse samples. Additionally, studies should investigate the mechanisms by which stress contributes to the emergence of Pitiriasis Sika, and explore the effectiveness of stress management interventions in preventing the condition.

Q: Can stress management interventions prevent the emergence of Pitiriasis Sika?

A: While the study did not directly investigate the effectiveness of stress management interventions in preventing the emergence of Pitiriasis Sika, it suggests that efforts to manage stress well can be a first step to prevent the emergence of skin problems such as Pitiriasis Sika.

Q: What can students do to manage stress and prevent the emergence of Pitiriasis Sika?

A: Students can engage in stress management techniques such as exercise, meditation, and deep breathing. They can also prioritize proper skin care and good hygiene practices to prevent the emergence of skin problems such as Pitiriasis Sika.

Q: Can Pitiriasis Sika be treated?

A: While there is no cure for Pitiriasis Sika, it can be managed with proper treatment and care. Treatment options may include topical creams, oral medications, and lifestyle changes.

Q: Where can students seek help for stress and skin problems?

A: Students can seek help from their university's counseling services, student health center, or a dermatologist for skin problems such as Pitiriasis Sika.