title: Complementary psychocutaneous therapies in dermatology.
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.
authors.affiliation: Division of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, College of Medicine, University of South Florida, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33612, USA. pshenefe@hsc.usf.edu
authors.forename: Philip D
authors.initials: PD
authors.lastname: Shenefelt
mesh_terms: D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D006990:Hypnosis; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010946:Plants, Medicinal; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*
chemical_list: D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents