The skin and the mind.
BACKGROUND
The intimate relationship of the skin and the mind illustrates the importance of a holistic approach in caring for patients with skin problems. Habits related to psychological problems may lead to skin problems such as lichen simplex chronicus and acne excoriée. Emotional stress may affect skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis, perioral dermatitis, pompholyx, and plaque psoriasis.


OBJECTIVE
This article describes the relationship between the mind and skin disease.


CONCLUSIONS
Skin disease can exert a profound effect on the psychosocial dimension of a patient's life. Its effect on quality of life can be objectively assessed and documented by validated tools specific for the skin. Patient rated measures should be taken into account when evaluating the efficacy and adverse effects of treatments for skin disease.
Chuh
Antonio
A
Department of Community and Family Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong. achuh@iohk.com
Wong
William
W
Zawar
Vijay
V
D000152:Acne Vulgaris / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D003872:Dermatitis / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D003875:Drug Eruptions / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy; D009450:Neurodermatitis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D011788:Quality of Life; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000150:complications
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents