Psychodermatology — How our mind and skin are closely connected

Psychodermatology is focused on working with different symptoms that affect our skin at different levels. The theory behind this term is that there is a close relationship between dermatological and psychological problems in humans. Next, three categories will be mentioned which classify different skin conditions and their relationship with mental aspects in order to better determine the causes of the disease, refer patients if necessary and broaden the scope of work to find possible solutions. to their symptoms.

And your mind and skin are closely connected; We can find symptoms that are related to different dermatological conditions or diseases called in different ways such as acne, psoriasis, alopecia (hair loss), trichotillomania (intentional hair loss in order to relieve some anxiety), the vitiligo (changes in skin pigmentation), among others.

There is an adequate term to describe these processes in the human being called psychodermatology, which has gained popularity both in the medical area and in the psychological area; This focuses on studying the relationship between dermatology and psychiatry, understanding the psychosocial and occupational contexts of skin problems in order to find a comprehensive cure and improve the quality of life of patients.

The comprehensive approach of the human being must seek the greatest benefit by incorporating aspects beyond the physical manifestation.

In order to make a good diagnosis, experts in this discipline propose to make a clinical evaluation, that is, an exploration of the symptoms that the body presents, and later, through interviews, investigate personal, family and social aspects that may be directly related to said symptomatology.

Once this is done, it is important to start with a dermatological treatment in order to avoid infections or problems in the compromised areas and so that people feel cared for and relieved with the treatments recommended by the specialist, at the same time, it is recommended to refer the patient to a psychological or psychiatric office so that the unconscious can be worked on, and try to understand the start of the problem and what has generated its continued presence.

The classification of psychodermatological problems is divided into three categories: psychophysiological disorders, primary psychiatric disorders, and finally, secondary psychiatric disorders.

Psychophysiological disorders

They refer to problems directly related to the skin (such as eczema), here the problems are closely related to the emotional stress presented by the subject. Each of these diseases could trigger a vicious circle in which the person has itching and therefore scratches, further exacerbating the problem. In these cases, it is essential to explore the amount of psychological, social, or relational anxiety or stress that is being experienced, as it could undoubtedly contribute to the severity of the skin problem.

Primary psychiatric disorders

They refer to damage from various psychological causes, such as trichotillomania, which has a psychic component, and thus has consequences on the skin, not due to a malfunction of the skin, but rather due to a process of unconscious damage. In these disorders, hypochondria processes can also be observed where patients have recurring complaints of something that hurts, bothers, or irritates the skin, even though visibly and physically there is no evidence.

The most common in this category is called parasitosis, in which people consider that their body is infested by some type of parasite and that for this reason they are presenting itching, irritation, desquamation, among others.

In addition to this, people have spent enough time thinking about how they have grown, Different types of bacteria have reproduced and live on the skin. Also in this category is the “cutting” phenomenon, which hints at cutting yourself to discharge some emotional tension. When we meet patients who have this type of clinical manifestations, it is recommended to do laboratory tests to rule out a lack of vitamin B12, the use of cocaine, amphetamines, alcohol, syphilis, multiple sclerosis, or even depression and self-mutilation.

Secondary psychiatric disorders

They have an important psychological history that generates highly negative consequences and a high impact on self-perception and self-concept. Furthermore, people can develop depression, frustration, and social phobia due to illnesses related to this category.

There is a record that when a person has skin conditions that seem contagious, they are more likely to suffer discrimination by society, as well as rejection and abandonment that further aggravates psychological symptoms. It is important that people with problems of this type can go to personal or group therapy.

Category-related diseases

Some patients may present resistance to therapeutic work, which is why it is recommended that the person doing the medical examination by someone known to the individual and that in a subtle way and free of stereotypes and prejudices, they can propose and recommend therapeutic work with a colleague specialized in somatic phenomenology, that is, in the search and interpretation of symptoms.

Similarly, the recommended treatment may include psychotropic medications, stress management, cognitive behavioral therapy, or as mentioned above, work through psychological-psychiatric support and in self-help groups.