Psychodermatology: The Science behind Positive Thinking and Healthy Skin

The mind–skin connection is an emerging field of research that aims to understand how psychological factors, such as stress, mood and personality, can influence skin health. Research has demonstrated the significant influence of emotions, stress and psychiatric disorders on the onset and exacerbation of dermatological conditions. Emotional distress, such as anxiety, depression and trauma, can trigger or worsen skin disorders through neuroendocrine, immune and inflammatory pathways. Skin conditions can drastically reduce a person's quality of life, social interaction and daily activities, psychological and social well-being and the lives of their partners, families, friends and caregivers. They can also negatively affect their mood, self-worth and connections with others, which can result in despair and suicidal thoughts. Chronic dermatological disorders, which impact appearance, are likely to affect a patient's self-esteem. Feelings of embarrassment, rejection, anxiety, depression, sociocultural stigma and social retreat may also result from dermatologic disease's psychologic effects.