Which health issue is caused by stress?

• A. Back pain
• B. Rash
• C. Acne
• D. Flu

Answer: (C)

Stress triggers hormonal changes that can directly affect the skin. When the body is stressed, it releases cortisol, which can boost oil production in the skin’s sebaceous glands. This extra oil mixes with dead skin cells and can clog pores, leading to acne flare-ups. Stress also promotes inflammation and can slow healing, making pimples more pronounced and long-lasting. Plus, stress can lead to behaviors that worsen acne, like poor sleep, unhealthy eating, or touching the face.

Back pain can be worsened by stress due to muscle tension, but it’s usually driven by posture, strain, or injury rather than stress itself. A rash can occur from allergies or infections, though some stress-related skin reactions exist, they’re not as directly linked as acne. Flu is caused by a viral infection, not by stress. That connection makes acne the most fitting answer here.