Psychodermatology: Study that Considers Influence of Mental Health on Skin Disorders

The prevalence of skin disorders caused by psychological factors exhibit signs that skin stimuli can be influenced by the nervous, endocrine and immune systems. Currently, there are psychologists engaged in a new field of study called psychodermatology, since the skin is the most noticeable part of the body to manifest the effects of psychological factors.
So far, researchers have established three types of psychodermatology disorders, namely:

  • Psychological problems originating from disfiguring skin disorders;
  • Skin problems influenced by emotional states such as stress and;
  • Mental Health disorders that shows on the skin itself like delusional parasitosis.

What Exactly is the Medical Field of Psychodermatology?

Psychodermatology is a fairly new area of study that delves on the interaction between the mind and skin. Results of initial studies show that the skin has a give and take relationship with the neuroendocrine and immune systems by responding to psychological stimuli. The skin is that part of the body that feels and combines environmental cues, which it transmit outwards as natural conditions.

Top Climican Explains the Importance of Psychodermatology in the Treatment of Skin Disorders

Dr. Rick Fried, one of the country’s few clinicians specializing in psychodermatology, explained that skin problems can cause great distress. Especially, as some conditions are unpredictable and quite visible, such as flare-ups of eczema, acne, and psoriasis which can be frustrating.

Unlike health conditions like diabetes, and hypertension, skin conditions can be very obvious to others as they show up physically. In such cases, sufferers of skin conditions can have psychological reactions that can be out of proportion to their actual condition, which only worsen their skin disorder.

He cited a National Rosacea survey conducted in 2014, participated in by 1,675 patients afflicted with rosacea, to which 90% of the respondents suffered from low self-esteem and self-confidence. Additionally, 54% also felt anxiety and helplessness, while 43% admitted to experiencing depression.

Rosacea is a condition that causes redness in the face, which at worst conditions can also cause pus-filled bumps to appear among other symptoms. The study revealed that more than half of the respondents reported that they avoid face-to-face contact with other people.

According to Dr. Fried, psychological problems such as depression and stress can actually worsen common skin problems like acne, psoriasis, rosacea, eczema, pain, hives, and itching. On the other hand, he added that treating the psychological problems can help improve skin problems.

Dr. Fried mentioned that the fundamental part is to allow patients to have a sense of control towards their conditions and their reactions to them. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can aid patients in managing the stress and anxiety they feel, to help prevent making rash decisions whenever their skin conditions acts up.

Why We Should Not Overlook Skin Care

Bear in mind that the skin is the most noticeable part of our body, which is why we should keep a mind set of taking extra care of our skin. Especially now that we are experiencing extreme weather conditions and temperatures that can have damaging effects on our skin. The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays are more intense since a huge portion of the ozone layer that protects living organisms from solar heat has been damaged,

There are many skin care products that can provide protection and extra moisturizer to keep one’s skin protected against negative elements in the environment. If you’ve already tried different products but seem to be mediocre in terms of skin protection, checkout the Top 7 skin cream brands recommended by 추천사이트, an online Korean website specializing on consumer goods