There is a new term describing certain medical conditions, one that describes the connection between the mind and the skin. This term explains how depression and other negative feelings or thoughts can significantly impact one’s skin. As a result, the conventional medicine world should be ready to explore a novel medical field that cuts across other disciplines such as psychology and psychiatry.

The term pyschodermatology describes the relationship of an individuals’ emotions on their skin. These skin reactions are ascribed to an emotional root cause. There are emotional stressor components to acne or eczema.

The Psyche and the Skin

There is a connection between the mind and the skin. Nerves endings are connected to the skin and found around the body organs. Emotions have neurological effects on the body. An example is gastrointestinal symptoms being expressed via the skin due to worry, anxiety, or fear.

Another example is in a case of acne resulting from being tense. In this situation, your body will release stress hormones and increase the rate of oil production in your skin. This may cause plugged and inflamed pores, susceptible to bacterial infection, resulting in increased breakout and pimples.

On another level, you can experience autoimmune reactions due to exposure to different stress levels. Also, some individuals experience certain levels of psychiatric diseases that appear as skin diseases. These include cutting and hair-pulling. Meanwhile, people hold a false belief that this condition results from having a parasitic infestation. This is not always true.

Exploring New Field and Treatment Possibilities

The condition of your skin is a determinant to how you look and your level of self-confidence. And this can be affected by certain psychological situations. If this is persistent, you can develop low self-esteem and become depressed. Above all, it is important to have a healthcare provider you trust and medication in place to treat behavioral and physiological symptoms.

Cognitive behavioral therapy

Likewise, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) sessions can play a vital role in treatment. One way you can help your skin stay healthy is by undergoing relaxation training. Some individuals don’t know how to remain calm in many situations. But going through this kind of training help people stay relaxed. As a result, their skin condition improves, and they will be protected from other susceptible skin diseases.

Habit-reversal process

Another possible treatment method is self-awareness and training yourself via a habit-reversal process. This means that you will know where your hands are while trying to pick on your acne or other skin lesions. While being self-aware and in the moment, you create alternative behaviors. Instead of picking your acne,  you can grab a brush and paint instead.

Wrap Up

Regardless of the kinds of skin diseases a patient is experiencing, it is important to know the cause. This leads to a treatment plan.