Psychodermatology

Abstract:

Psychodermatology is a relatively new interdisciplinary approach in medicine focused on the connections between psychological factors and skin diseases. Dermatological diseases affect the largest and the most visible organ of the human body – the skin. The skin is exposed to the world and visible to other people, which is the reason why these diseases not only affect self-esteem and body image, but also influence caring for one’s health and quality of life. The three most common psychodermatological diseases include psychosomatic skin disorders, which can be triggered or aggravated by stress; primary psychiatric disorders, which may result in either imaginary or real skin changes; and secondary psychological or psychiatric problems, which develop as a consequence of skin disorder. Cooperation between dermatologists and psychiatrists is important because the prevalence of psychiatric diseases in dermatological clinics is 30-40%. 

Key words:
dermatology; skin diseases; psychiatry; psychosomatic medicine