3 Psychological Conditions Affecting The Skin According To Psychodermatological Studies

Illustration of psychological conditions that affect the skin (Freepik/cookie_studio)

JAKARTA – Taking care of the skin is not just routine cleaning and using products that fit the character of each skin. In fact, between psychological conditions and skin related. The study that examines the relationship between the two is Psychodermatology.

As reported by Psychology Today, the study of Psychodermatology is a field that includes the relationship of the skin and the brain. Which is the main cause, mental or psychological condition or skin?

Dermatologists specialize in exploring how skin disorders affect mental health and vice versa. Dermatologists work closely with mental health or psychiatry practitioners or clinical psychologists when treating complex psychosomatic dermatosis.

Among patients with chronic skin problems, the prevalence of psychiatric disorders is 30 to 40 percent. Stress and anxiety were reported to be experienced by 44 percent of patients before the initial psoriasis flare-up. Recurrence is experienced when experiencing stress experienced by 80 percent of individuals.

Even more surprising, the prevalence of mental disorders patients is greater than skin problems than brain disorders, cancer, and heart problems.

In her article, Deana Goldin, Ph.D., DNP, APRN, professor at Florida International University, concludes that caring for the mind is the same as caring for the skin. Goldin lists signs that indicate a link between skin conditions and mental health.

Skin conditions can affect psychological or social symptoms

Skin disorders due to cosmetics, such as vitiligo, breakouts, psoriasis, can cause embarrassment, anxiety, depression, and decreased self-esteem. Although these skin conditions are not life-threatening, skin problems can interfere with well-being.

Even people who experience it can feel inferior and find it difficult to get a job.

Severe psychiatric conditions also trigger skin problems

Starting from hair loss, dermatitis artefacta, and delusions of parasitosis are symptoms of having a mental disorder. The problem is that a person will consider himself to be filled with parasites in a delusional state of parasitosis.

Many patients are not aware that, apart from requiring consultation with a dermatologist, psychiatric consultation is also needed.

The condition of the skin is influenced by emotional factors

Many skin conditions such as acne, hair loss, psoriasis, hives, rosacea, eczema, herpes simplex virus, and profuse sweating can be exacerbated by stress and emotional factors, such as job loss, job stress, and loss.

Goldin recommends that if the physiological symptoms after being evaluated are triggered by psychological conditions, treatment with a multidisciplinary approach is needed. Treatment and management may vary, depending on the patient's history and other related factors.