Psychodermatology
Psychodermatology is the treatment of skin disorders using psychological and psychiatric techniques. It is a controversial subspecialty of dermatology because it postulates that a variety of skin conditions can be healed by the mind.
Conditions and treatments
Frequently treated conditions are: psoriasis, eczema, hives, genital and oral herpes, acne, warts, skin allergies, pain, burning sensations, and hair loss. Psychodermatological treatment techniques include psychotherapy, meditation, relaxation, hypnosis, acupuncture, yoga, tai chi and anti-anxiety drugs.[1][2][3][4]
Controversy
In a 2013 paper published in the Clinics in Dermatology, the official journal of the International Academy of Cosmetic Dermatology, the facts and controversies of this topic were examined with the conclusion:
Although clinical experience is often in concordance with this notion, apparently scientific proof can sometimes be challenging rather than straight forward. Although many data have been published, it appears that not enough good statistical evidence exists to support them. The difficulty in validating beyond a doubt the stress-skin interactions has rendered some skepticism among physicians.[5]
See also
References
- ^ SINGER, NATASHA. "SKIN DEEP; If You Think It, It Will Clear". query.nytimes.com. NYT. Retrieved 9 February 2017.
- ^ Jafferany M (2007). "Psychodermatology: a guide to understanding common psychocutaneous disorders". Prim Care Companion J Clin Psychiatry. 9: 203–13. doi:10.4088/pcc.v09n0306. PMC 1911167. PMID 17632653.
- ^ DeWeerdt Sarah (2012). "Psychodermatology: An emotional response". Nature. 492: S62 – S63. doi:10.1038/492S62a.
- ^ Mapes, Diane (2007-02-12). "Does your skin need a shrink?". MSNBC. Retrieved 2013-08-03.
- ^ Orion, Edith; Wolf, Ronni. "Psychological factors in skin diseases: Stress and skin: Facts and controversies". Clinics in Dermatology, The official journal of the International Academy of Cosmetic Dermatology (IACD). Retrieved 9 February 2017.
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