Often, conditions of the skin can have a psychological aspect that also needs to be addressed. Research has shown that mental illness, stress and other psychological factors can activate or worsen skin conditions.

Did you know that the skin is the body’s largest organ? It is a protective barrier that helps the body fight against injury and inflammation. The skin is involved in many complex biological processes, including the brain and nervous system. The brain and nervous system influence the skin’s immune cells through various receptors. When you are facing chronic negative stressors, research suggests it disrupts the function of the skin’s protective barrier, potentially leading to or exacerbating a skin condition.

Only in the past several decades have we seen the resurgence of the mind-body awareness in medicine; and only in the past decade have we seen an emphasis on understanding the interaction between the mind and the skin. Psychodermatology is a holistic view within the medical world looking into the cause and effect relationship of the mind and skin. Psychodermatologic disorders often fall into three different categories:

Psychological skin conditions are usually chronic conditions and can often be exacerbated by stress and other emotional factors.

• Acne
• Alopecia Areata
• Eczema
• Hyperhidrosis
• Pruritis

Secondary Psychiatric skin conditions, due to their visibility, can erode one’s self esteem, leading to social phobia’s and depression.

• Severe Acne
• Psoriasis
• Vitiligo

Primary Psychiatric skin conditions are symptoms of a psychiatric disorder and recognizing them is important in the treatment of a mental illness.

• Trichotillomania (chronic hair pulling)
• Delusional Parasitosis
• Body Dysmorphic Disorder
• Dermatitis Artefacta (self-inflicted picking, cutting)

When treating all skin conditions, it is important to know that not everyone responds emotionally through the skin, nor do all people react the same way to having a skin condition. But, evidence has suggested in patients with psychological issues that intersect with a skin condition, treating both the mind and skin offers the best chance for improvement. Like I tell all my patients, take ten minutes to relax and meditate, stick to a healthy diet, go for a walk in the park; your mind and skin will thank you for it.