Complementary psychocutaneous therapies in dermatology.

Philip D Shenefelt

Journal: Dermatologic clinics 2005;23(4):723-34

PMID: 16112450

Full Text on Elsevier Science View on PubMed

Abstract

The skin and the nervous system develop side by side in the fetus and remain intimately interconnected and interactive throughout life. Because of the skin-nervous system interactions, there is a significant psychosomatic or behavioral component to many dermatologic conditions. This permits complementary nonpharmacologic psychotherapeutic interventions, such as acupuncture, aromatherapy, biofeedback, cognitive-behavioral therapy, hypnosis, placebo, and suggestion, to have positive impacts on many dermatologic diseases. Complementary pharmacologic psychotherapeutic interventions, such as herbs and supplements, also may help improve some dermatologic disorders.

Address: Division of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, College of Medicine, University of South Florida, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33612, USA. [email protected]

DOI: 10.1016/j.det.2005.05.011

Link outs

Free resources

Medical:

https://medlineplus.gov/skinconditions.html

Subscription / membership required

Full Text Sources:

MeSH Terms: Anti-Anxiety Agents, Humans, Hypnosis, Phytotherapy, Plants, Medicinal, Skin Diseases