Official websites use. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Correspondence , Ludivine Canchy. Email: ludivine. Psychodermatology is a subdiscipline of dermatology at the intersection of dermatology, psychiatry, and psychology. As this affective touch may counteract unpleasurable sensations, such as pain and itch, and elicit positive feelings, the potential benefits of gentle touch and massage are interesting for dermatological, especially psychocutaneous, disorders.
Psychodermatology, also known as psychocutaneous medicine, is a subspeciality of dermatology at the intersection of dermatology, psychiatry, and psychology; it uses a combined approach to treat conditions by addressing the reciprocal interactions between the skin and the brain. No single universal classification for psychodermatological disorders exists at this time, but some classifications have been proposed to help healthcare professionals recognise these disorders and improve patient management.
Additionally, some patients may exhibit a skin disorder or mental illness that is linked with medications prescribed in dermatology with psychiatric consequences or medications used in psychiatry with dermatologic consequences 2 , 3 , 4 :.
Patients with a primary dermatological disorder that can be triggered or worsened by psychological stress psychophysiological disorders and that can lead to secondary psychosocial comorbidities e. Dermatological manifestations in patients with a primary psychiatric illness e.
Therefore, there is a dire need to raise awareness about subjective aspects in dermatology practice to offer solutions to patients that consider both dermatological and psychological dimensions which are relevant in several skin disorders. The psychological aspect of psychocutaneous disorders should be considered with screening for physical and mental comorbidities and referral to qualified psychiatrists or clinical psychologists when needed.
