Psychosomatic Aspects of Skin Care and Therapy of Atopic Dermatitis with Regard to the Patient’s Dealing with Himself and the Parents’ Dealing with Their Child

Due to their exposed localization, skin diseases have characteristic individual and social consequences as compared to other diseases. In the first section of this review, general psychosomatic and psychosocial aspects of the skin and common skin diseases are described. Since atopic dermatitis is characterized by a chronic inflammatory course and associated with intermittent attacks of intensive pruritus, it is more frequently associated with intraand interpersonal conflicts than other skin diseases. Therefore, certain aspects of atopic dermatitis such as coping and compliance/adherence-to-treatment are reviewed and discussed in detail. Finally, clinically important issues of psychosomatic care and dermatological therapy (skin care and topical therapy) of patients with atopic dermatitis are reviewed.