Psychodermatology - the link between skin and mind

Definition: Psychodermatology is a branch of medicine, devoted to the diagnosis, classification, treatment, and prevention of disorders in which psychological factors are present together with signs or symptoms in the skin. (1)

Why is this important? Studies have shown that skin disorders can be triggered by stress, or poor emotional health. (2) This has a major impact on people’s quality of life. For more effective results, the skin and mind need to be addressed together in a multidisciplinary approach. (3)

Psychodermatology UK is an organisation that aims to raise more awareness of the psychological impact of skin disease and encourage a MDT approach, between dermatologists, psychiatrists, and psychologists. (4)

On the Psychodermatology UK website, they have many helpful resources for healthcare professionals and the public, including support groups for rosacea and acne.  

There is also a featured video called “The Skin I’m In”, which is based off real-life stories, from people who have psoriasis. This is a very moving video, which highlights the impacts of a skin condition on your mental health, and the stigma surrounding psoriasis. Thus, it is hugely important to ensure that patients are being listened to, and that they are educated on ways to control psoriasis, rather than let psoriasis control them. 

The treatment options for psychodermatology will depend on the individual and their history. Usually, the behavioural managements are techniques of managing stress, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and support groups. In terms of pharmacological options, there are SSRIs (type of antidepressant), and antihistamines. (5)

References

1. Oxford Reference [Internet]. oxfordreference.com. [cited 2024 Jan 11]

2. Chen Y, Lyga J. Brain-Skin Connection: Stress, Inflammation and Skin Aging. Inflammation & Allergy-Drug Targets. 2014 Jun;13(3):177–90.

3. Hughes O, Bewley A. Is it really ever “just acne”? Considering the psychodermatology of acne. British Journal of Dermatology. 2023 Oct 1;189(Supplement_1):i11–6.

4. Home [Internet]. psychodermatology-uk. [cited 2024 Jan 13]. Available from: https://www.psychodermatology.co.uk

5. Treatment of psychodermatological disorders | DermNet [Internet]. dermnetnz.org. [cited 2024 Jan 14].