Psychodermatology Overview

While psychodermatology exists as an alternative approach to skin care, the field does not ignore traditional treatments. Instead, a typical psychodermatology treatment is often a combination of conventional medications and stress-relieving psychological remedies. Because prescribed treatments -- traditional and otherwise -- are unique to an individual, it is difficult to resolutely qualify the effectiveness of psychodermatology. Medical professionals are pretty much split in their opinions on how beneficial the practice is. People who are skeptical of psychodermatology cite the practice's heavy reliance on anecdotal results rather than quantifiable studies. And many dermatologists feel that patients with positive responses to psychodermatology are simply reacting to the traditional medications [source: Singer].

In spite of these criticisms of psychodermatology, some research has shown clear links between skin diseases and psychological factors. In one study, 50 to 90 percent of patients with chronic conditions, like psoriasis, acne, eczema and rosacea, had emotional triggers [source: Jafferany]. This evidence is one of psychodermatologists' major arguments. They believe that these emotional stressors can make traditional medicines less effective, so removing the stressors has to be part of a patient's treatment. The American Academy of Dermatology concluded that when dermatologists treat both skin and the source of stress, the skin clears more quickly as stress decreases [source: American Academy of Dermatology].

While there is some disagreement in the medical community on whether or not psychodermatology is an effective approach, there aren't really any disadvantages to trying it out [source: Singer]. As long as you keep undergoing traditional treatment, a mind-clearing exercise like yoga probably can't hurt -- and may even help you become healthier overall.

Read on for more on what psychodermatologists can do for you and your skin.

Psychodermatologists approach treating skin disorders by examining the mind's response to environmental stressors such as work, family and relationships and how these stressors affect your skin. A psychodermatologist's role is to help you discover the underlying emotional factors contributing to your skin condition and to help you learn how to manage this stress in a way that will enable your skin to heal quickly.

"Derm shrinks" or "skin shrinks" sometimes prescribe relaxation and meditation, often in addition to traditional medications, as a way to care for the skin [source: Mapes]. Other alternative treatments range from common exercise and Eastern practices like yoga and tai chi to lesser known techniques such as self-hypnosis or biofeedback. Hypnosis and biofeedback -- real-time measurements of physiological responses to help patients gain awareness to their bodies' functions -- are methods that focus on mentally preparing yourself to heal. These techniques may include relaxing and imagining peaceful locations or mentally walking through the healing process and visualizing the positive end result. Some psychodermatologists also prescribe therapy or anti-anxiety medications to help deal with certain conditions.

The effectiveness of psychodermatology has not been universally refuted or accepted by the medical community. However, many psychodermatologists report positive results that suggest a link between mental stress and skin conditions. If you suffer from a dermatological disorder that seems to grow exponentially under stress, you may want to explore this field a little further.

Read on to find a lot more information about treating skin conditions.